Smoking system

Abstract

To provide an improved smoking system including a consumable having a smokable material and a device for heating and atomizing the smokable material.SOLUTION: The device comprises a chamber (50) for receiving a consumable and a heating unit for heating a consumable received in the chamber. The chamber comprises an opening 52 into which the consumable is inserted, and a holding part 60 for holding the consumable. The holding part includes a pressing part 62 for pressing a part of the consumable article. The pressing portion has an outer surface 62b and a flat inner surface. The consumable has a smokable article and a filter segment. The filter segment includes a mouthpiece filter and a center hole segment. The center hole segment is located closer to the smokable material than the mouthpiece filter; and SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, flavor inhalers for inhaling flavors and the like without burning a material have been known. The flavor inhalers have, for example, a chamber for accommodating a flavor-generating article and a heater for heating the flavor-generating article accommodated in the chamber (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2001-521123 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5963375 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2016 / 207407 Brochure Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking system including a consumable product having smokable material and a device for heating and atomizing the smokable material. The device includes a chamber for receiving the consumable product and a heating portion for heating the consumable product received in the chamber. The chamber includes an opening through which the consumable product is inserted and a holding portion for holding the consumable product. The holding portion includes a pressing portion for pressing a portion of the consumable product and a non-pressing portion. The pressing portion and the non-pressing portion each have an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating portion is disposed on the outer surface of the pressing portion. The inner surface of the pressing portion can be referred to as a pressing surface that presses the consumable product, and the inner surface of the non-pressing portion can be referred to as a non-pressing surface that does not press the consumable product.

[0005] According to the first aspect, the consumable is substantially in close contact with the heating surface (the inner surface of the pressing portion), allowing efficient heat transfer from the heating unit to the consumable. The consumable contains a smokable article, including tobacco and non-tobacco products. The consumable may or may not have a mouthpiece. A consumable with a mouthpiece may be a stick-type product similar in appearance to a conventional cigarette containing tobacco or other smokable articles. A consumable without a mouthpiece may be a smokable article, such as tobacco, solidified into a tablet shape, or a smokable article wrapped in a breathable material, such as a nonwoven fabric, or a sheet material, such as paper. The heating unit may also have a heating element. The chamber may be, for example, a cylindrical container with a bottom or a cylindrical body without a bottom. The chamber is preferably made of a material, such as a metal, with high thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel. This allows for effective heating. The chamber wall thickness is preferably uniform (including when it is substantially uniform). This allows for more uniform heating throughout the chamber. The thickness of the chamber is, for example, 0.04 mm or more and 1.00 mm or less, preferably 0.04 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less, and more preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.10 mm or less.

[0006] The heating part is preferably arranged on the outer surface of the pressing part without any gaps (with no gaps between the outer surface of the pressing part and the heating part). Here, "without any gaps" also means "substantially without any gaps." This allows the heating part to be in close contact with the outer surface of the pressing part, allowing heat from the heating part to be transferred to the consumable more efficiently. The heating part may include an adhesive layer. In this case, it is preferable that the heating part including the adhesive layer is arranged on the outer surface of the pressing part without any gaps.

[0007] The opening is preferably capable of receiving the consumable without pressing it, which allows the consumable to be easily inserted into the chamber. The opening is preferably in the longitudinal direction of the chamber, in other words, the direction in which the consumable is inserted into the chamber or the direction in which the side of the chamber extends as a whole (hereinafter referred to as the "chamber"). The shape of the opening of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber (hereinafter referred to simply as the longitudinal direction of the chamber) may be polygonal or elliptical, but is preferably circular, which allows for easy insertion of the consumable into the opening.

[0008] The inner circumferential length of the holding portion is preferably the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable before being pressed by the pressing portion. Here, "same" includes the case of being substantially the same. "Substantially the same" means that the difference between the inner circumferential length of the holding portion and the outer circumferential length of the consumable before being pressed by the pressing portion is, for example, within ±6% of the inner circumferential length of the holding portion, preferably within ±4%, and more preferably within ±2%. As described above, the holding portion has a pressing portion and a non-pressing portion. When the inner circumferential length of the holding portion is substantially the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable, a portion of the consumable is pressed by the pressing portion, so that the outer circumferential shape of the consumable substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the holding portion. Compared to when the inner circumferential length and shape of the holding portion are the same as the outer circumferential length and shape of the consumable, in this smoking system, a portion where the consumable is pressed by the pressing portion is formed, thereby improving the efficiency of heat conduction from the heating portion to the consumable. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable is shorter than the inner circumferential length of the holding portion, the unpressed portions of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable are substantially in contact with the inner circumferential surface (non-pressed surface) of the holding portion, which may improve the efficiency of heat conduction from the heating portion to the consumable. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable is longer than the inner circumferential length of the holding portion, the consumable can be inserted more smoothly into the holding portion, and distortion of the density of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable and the interior of the consumable (e.g., cigarettes as an example of a smokable article) can be suppressed. As a result, uneven heating and variations in airflow resistance between consumables, which may occur due to distortion of the density inside the consumable, can be suppressed. Furthermore, it can be said that the inner circumferential length of the holding portion is preferably substantially the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable when pressed by the pressing portion, and the inner circumferential length of the holding portion may be the inner circumferential length in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber of the holding portion. Furthermore, the "peripheral length of the consumable before being pressed by the pressing portion" may also be the peripheral length of the portion of the peripheral length of the consumable before being pressed by the pressing portion that, when pressed by the pressing portion, is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the chamber at a position corresponding to the inner peripheral length of the holding portion being compared.Furthermore, the "peripheral length of the consumable when pressed by the pressing portion" may be the peripheral length of the consumable when pressed by the pressing portion at a position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber that corresponds to the inner peripheral length of the holding portion being compared.

[0009] It is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the holding part has the same shape and size (the outer peripheral length of the holding part in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber) over the entire longitudinal length of the chamber. This makes it possible to prevent the heating part from being provided slackly on the outer surface of the pressing part of the holding part, and as a result, it is possible to easily provide the heating part on the outer surface of the pressing part with substantially no gaps.

[0010] It is preferable that the non-pressing portion contacts the consumable in an unpressed state when the consumable is placed at a desired position in the chamber. Here, the unpressing state includes a substantially unpressed state. This substantially eliminates a gap between the consumable and the holding portion, further improving the efficiency of heat conduction from the heating portion to the consumable even in the non-pressing portion. The non-pressing portion has an inner surface connecting the pressing portion, the opposing inner surface of which is flat, and the inner surface may be curved.

[0011] It is preferable that the inner surface of the non-pressing part of the holding part has a curved surface that connects the circumferential ends of the inner surface of the pressing part with each other. This makes it possible to further simplify the structure of the smoking system and to make cleaning of the non-pressing part easier than when the inner surface has corners. In cases where a gap, as described later, is formed in the chamber, it is possible to make cleaning of the gap easier than when the inner surface has corners. It is preferable that the shape of the inner surface of the non-pressing part in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber is the same as the shape of the opening in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber at any position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber. In other words, the inner surface of the non-pressing part is formed by extending the inner surface of the chamber that forms the opening in the longitudinal direction. This simplifies the configuration of the chamber, and when a gap is formed in the chamber, as described later, it is possible to prevent the flow of air entering through the opening of the chamber from being obstructed. Furthermore, cleaning of the gap can be made easier. The "circumferential direction of the chamber" may be considered to be the "rotational direction around the longitudinal direction of the chamber as an axis."

[0012] The outer surface of the pressing part may be a curved surface or an uneven surface, but is preferably a flat surface. Note that "flat surface" here includes a case where the surface is substantially flat. "The outer surface of the pressing part is substantially flat" means, in terms of the proportion of flat surfaces to the entire outer surface of the pressing part, that the proportion of flat surfaces to the entire outer surface of the pressing part is, for example, 80% or more, preferably 90% or more, and more preferably 95% or more.

[0013] The flat outer surface of the pressing part prevents the strip-shaped electrodes from bending when connected to the heating part arranged on the outer surface of the pressing part, facilitating the routing of the electrodes within the device. Furthermore, compared to when the outer surface of the pressing part is curved or uneven, the heating part can be positioned with high precision and can be easily arranged on the outer surface of the pressing part without any gaps.

[0014] The inner surface of the pressing portion is preferably flat. This makes it easier to insert the consumables. Here, "flat" includes the case where it is substantially flat. Furthermore, the thickness of the pressing portion is preferably uniform. This allows for more uniform heating. Here, "uniform thickness" includes the case where it is substantially uniform. The thickness of the pressing portion is, for example, 0.04 mm or more and 1.00 mm or less, preferably 0.04 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less, and more preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.10 mm or less. This prevents the pressing portion from being too large in volume, thereby preventing efficient heat transfer to the consumables, and ensures the necessary strength of the pressing portion.

[0015] When the inner surface of the pressing part is flat, the chamber may have only one pressing part, but it is preferable to have two or more pressing parts in the circumferential direction of the chamber, which allows the consumable to be pressed at two or more points in the circumferential direction of the chamber, thereby allowing the consumable to be heated more comprehensively and uniformly.

[0016] The holding part preferably has two pressing parts facing each other, and the distance between the inner surfaces of the two pressing parts is preferably smaller than the width of the part of the consumable inserted into the chamber that is disposed between the pressing parts. The inner surfaces of the two pressing parts facing each other of the holding part may be flat.

[0017] When the inner surface of the pressing portion is flat, there may be three or more pressing portions arranged in the circumferential direction of the chamber. Each pressing portion may be arranged to face each pressing portion, or each non-pressing portion. When each pressing portion is arranged to face each non-pressing portion, the distance between the center of the inner surface of each pressing portion and the point where a line extending perpendicularly from the center of the inner surface of each pressing portion intersects on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber may be smaller than the radius of the consumable having a circular cross-section to be inserted. Here, "circular" also includes being substantially circular.

[0018] It is preferable that the inner surface of the pressing part has a pair of opposing flat pressing surfaces, and the inner surface of the non-pressing part has a pair of opposing curved non-pressing surfaces connecting both ends of the pair of flat pressing surfaces. The curved non-pressing surfaces may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber. The holding part may be constituted by a metal cylindrical body having a uniform thickness. Here, uniform thickness includes a substantially uniform thickness. This simplifies the structure of the chamber and facilitates high-precision manufacturing. Furthermore, this allows the positions of the pressing part and the non-pressing part to be arranged in a balanced manner, resulting in uniform heating, and the heated part can be positioned accurately and without gaps on the outer surface of the pressing part. This makes it easier to place the holder in the desired position, improving heating efficiency. The thickness of the holder is, for example, 0.04 mm or more and 1.00 mm or less, preferably 0.04 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less, and more preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.10 mm or less. This prevents the holder from being too large in volume, which would otherwise hinder efficient heat transfer to the consumables, and ensures the necessary strength of the holder.

[0019] When the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, the holding portion may have a gap between the inner surface of the non-pressing portion and the consumable, the gap communicating between the opening of the chamber and the end face of the consumable positioned at the desired position in the chamber, or between the opening of the chamber and the end face of the consumable positioned inside the chamber and farthest from the opening of the chamber. The gap is a flow path that allows air to flow from the opening of the chamber toward the end face of the consumable when the user inhales. This eliminates the need for a separate flow path in the smoking system to introduce air supplied to the consumable, thereby simplifying the structure of the smoking system. Furthermore, the exposed portion of the non-pressing portion that forms part of the gap allows the gap to be easily cleaned. Furthermore, the air passing through the gap can be efficiently heated, allowing for effective use of thermal energy from the heating portion. From the standpoint of air resistance, etc., the height of the gap (the distance between the inner surface of the non-pressing part and the consumable, the longest on a line extending radially from the cross-sectional center of the consumable positioned at the desired position in the chamber) is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less, and most preferably 0.3 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. For example, the holding unit preferably has at least two pressing units spaced apart circumferentially around the chamber, and when the consumable is positioned at a desired location in the chamber, a gap is preferably provided between the consumable and the inner surface of the non-pressing unit connecting the two pressing units, the gap communicating between the chamber opening and the end face of the consumable positioned at the desired location in the chamber, or between the chamber opening and the end face of the consumable positioned within the chamber farthest from the chamber opening. More preferably, two gaps are provided between the consumable and the inner surfaces of the two non-pressing units connecting the two pressing units, and even more preferably, three or more gaps are provided between the consumable and the inner surfaces of three or more non-pressing units connecting three or more pressing units. This can further reduce bias in the airflow within the chamber and prevent interference with more uniform heating.

[0020] It is preferable that the two pressing portions face each other. In this case, it is possible to further suppress bias in the air flow in the chamber and to further suppress the obstruction of more uniform heating. It is also preferable that the two pressing portions are parallel to each other. In this case, the consumable is pressed by the two parallel pressing portions facing each other, so that the consumable can be heated evenly from both sides of the consumable, and aerosol can be generated efficiently.

[0021] It is preferable that the holding portion does not have any convex portions on its inner surface. If the inner surface of a holding portion with a uniform thickness has convex portions, and a concave portion is formed on the outer surface of the holding portion, it may be difficult to arrange the heating portion without gaps on the outer surface of the pressing portion. Furthermore, if there are convex portions on the inner surface of the holding portion, the holding portion may have an uneven thickness, which may hinder uniform heating. However, these problems can be avoided by not having convex portions on the inner surface of the holding portion.

[0022] The chamber preferably has a first guide section with a tapered surface connecting the inner surface of the chamber that forms the opening and the inner surface of the pressing section. The first guide section allows the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the chamber to change continuously from the opening toward the pressing section, allowing the consumables to be inserted smoothly into the chamber. It is preferable that no heating section be disposed on at least one selected from the outer surface of the chamber between the opening and the first guide section, the outer surface of the first guide section, and the outer surface of the non-pressing section. The inner surfaces corresponding to these outer surfaces do not press the consumables, so by not disposing a heating section on these outer surfaces, energy can be used efficiently for heating.

[0023] The chamber preferably has a cylindrical non-retaining portion between the opening and the retaining portion. When the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, the gap between the inner surface of the non-retaining portion and the consumable is, for example, 3.0 mm or less, preferably 1.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less and 0.4 mm or more. When the gap is within these ranges, the consumable can be efficiently heated through the non-retaining portion, thereby preventing condensation of aerosols passing through the interior of the consumable. Furthermore, when the gap is present, the air passing through the gap can be efficiently heated, allowing for effective use of thermal energy from the heating portion. Furthermore, a gap of 0.4 mm or more makes it easier to insert the consumable into the chamber. In this specification, "a state in which the consumable is positioned at the desired position in the chamber" means a state in which the consumable is correctly positioned at the intended position in the chamber in order to generate an aerosol from the consumable (for example, if the chamber has a "bottom against which the inserted consumable is abutted," a state in which the consumable is abutted against at least a part of the bottom, or if the device has a "butting portion against which the inserted consumable is abutted" inside or outside the chamber, a state in which the consumable is abutted against at least a part of the abutting portion).

[0024] The chamber may have a bottom. Alternatively, the device may have abutment inside or outside the chamber against which a consumable inserted into the chamber abuts. The bottom or abutment preferably supports a portion of the consumable positioned at a desired position in the chamber so that at least a portion of the end face of the consumable is exposed. Furthermore, if the smoking system has the aforementioned gap, the bottom or abutment preferably supports a portion of the consumable so that the exposed end face of the consumable communicates with the gap. This allows air to be taken in from the end face of the consumable and allows the consumable to be positioned in the longitudinal direction. The bottom of the chamber may have a bottom wall and side walls, and the width of the bottom defined by the side walls may decrease toward the bottom wall. This allows the side walls to compress the consumable when the consumable inserted into the chamber reaches the bottom, thereby positioning the consumable. The bottom or abutment of the chamber may have a bottom wall or abutment surface, and the bottom wall or abutment may have a protrusion or a groove. The bottom or abutment portion of the chamber may have a bottom wall or abutment surface, and the bottom wall or abutment surface may have holes for introducing air into the chamber.

[0025] The chamber may have a cylindrical member having an opening on at least one side. The heating unit may be configured to start heating all of the pressing units at the same time, or may heat all of the pressing units at the same time.

[0026] The heating portion is preferably disposed over the entire outer surface of the pressing portion, which allows for more uniform heat conduction from the heating portion to the pressing portion, thereby enabling the consumables held in the holding portion to be heated efficiently.

[0027] The device may have a strip-shaped electrode extending from the heating unit. Because the electrode is strip-shaped, the reliability of the power supply to the heating unit can be improved compared to a string-shaped electrode. It is preferable that the strip-shaped electrode extends from the flat outer surface of the pressing unit to the outside of the outer surface of the pressing unit when the heating unit is arranged on the outer surface of the pressing unit. As described above, since the outer surface of the pressing unit is flat, bending of the strip-shaped electrode can be suppressed, making it easier to route the electrode within the device.

[0028] The strip-shaped electrodes may extend from only the outer surface of one of the two pressing portions. In this case, the strip-shaped electrodes are grouped together, allowing the device to be made smaller. Alternatively, the strip-shaped electrodes may extend from the outer surface of each of the two pressing portions. In this case, multiple independent heating portions can be provided by each strip-shaped electrode, or the positive and negative electrodes can be extended separately depending on the arrangement of device components. The strip-shaped electrodes may extend on the side opposite to the opening side of the chamber. In this case, the electrodes are not arranged on the opening side of the chamber where the consumable is inserted, allowing the device to be made smaller. This allows for a simpler structure, which can improve the reliability of the device. The strip-shaped electrodes may have a structure in which a layer of conductive tracks is disposed between two layers of electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may be, for example, polyimide, and the conductive tracks may be formed of, for example, gold, silver, copper, nickel, an alloy containing these, or a combination of multiple metals or alloys of these metals. This provides a flexible heating structure that is easy to manufacture and highly reliable.

[0029] The heating unit preferably includes a heating element and an electrical insulating member covering at least one surface of the heating element. The electrical insulating member is preferably disposed within the outer surface of the holder. In other words, the electrical insulating member is preferably disposed on the first guide portion side of the chamber in the longitudinal direction so as not to protrude from the outer surface of the holder. As described above, when a first guide portion is provided between the opening and the pressing portion, the shape of the outer surface of the chamber and the circumferential length of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber may differ between the first guide portion and the holder. Therefore, by disposing the electrical insulating member only on the outer surface of the holder, sagging can be suppressed.

[0030] The device preferably further includes a sheet (fixing sheet) that covers the chamber and heating unit and fixes the heating unit to the outer surface of the chamber. Examples of sheets that fix the heating unit include shrinkable sheets that shrink when exposed to external forces, specifically heat-shrinkable sheets that shrink when exposed to heat. Fixing sheets such as shrinkable sheets preferably have a higher shrinkage rate in the circumferential direction of the chamber than in the longitudinal direction when covering the chamber and heating unit. The heat-shrinkable sheet may contain polyimide, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, gelatin, polysaccharides, etc. The fixing sheet firmly secures the heating unit to the outer surface of the chamber, further improving heating efficiency and stabilizing the structure around the chamber. Furthermore, the sheet is preferably positioned on the outer surface of the holding unit. In other words, the sheet is preferably positioned on the first guide unit side of the chamber in the longitudinal direction so as not to extend beyond the outer surface of the holding unit. As described above, when a first guide unit is provided between the opening and the holding unit, the shape of the outer surface of the chamber and the circumferential length of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber may differ between the first guide unit and the holding unit. Therefore, the sheet is disposed only on the outer surface of the holding portion, thereby making it possible to prevent sagging.

[0031] The heating unit may have a first portion located on the opposite side from the opening and a second portion located on the opening side. The heater power density of the second portion is preferably higher than the heater power density of the first portion, or the heating rate of the second portion is preferably higher than the heating rate of the first portion, or the heating temperature of the second portion is preferably higher than the heating temperature of the first portion at any given time. The second portion preferably covers an outer surface of the holding portion that corresponds to at least half of the smokable articles in the longitudinal direction of the smokable articles contained in the consumable when the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber. This reduces the time from activating the heating unit until the first puff can be taken, while also reducing energy consumption.

[0032] When the consumable is positioned at the desired position in the chamber, it is preferable that the upstream end (upstream in the direction in which air or aerosol flows when the user inhales; the same applies below) of the heating section or heating element disposed on the outer surface of the pressing section be located downstream (downstream in the direction in which air or aerosol flows when the user inhales; the same applies below) of the upstream end of the consumable smokable object. For example, the upstream end of the heating section or heating element is located 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm downstream of the upstream end of the consumable smokable object positioned at the desired position in the chamber, preferably 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm downstream, and more preferably 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm downstream. This can prevent aerosol from leaking out from the upstream end of the smokable object. It also has a favorable effect on the smoking taste. can be given.

[0033] When the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, the downstream end of the heating section or heating element disposed on the outer surface of the pressing section is preferably located downstream of the downstream end of the smokable article of the consumable. For example, the downstream end of the heating section or heating element is located 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm downstream of the downstream end of the smokable article of the consumable positioned at a desired position in the chamber, preferably 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm downstream, and more preferably 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm downstream. This makes it possible to suppress aerosol aggregation while reducing energy consumption.

[0034] The heater power density of the heating section disposed on the outer surface of the pressing section is preferably higher than the heater power density of the heating section covering the outer surface of the non-pressing section, or the temperature rise rate of the heating section disposed on the outer surface of the pressing section is preferably higher than the temperature rise rate of the heating section covering the outer surface of the non-pressing section, or the heating temperature of the heating section disposed on the outer surface of the pressing section is preferably higher than the heating temperature of the heating section disposed on the outer surface of the non-pressing section at any given time. This allows for more efficient heating of the smokable articles when the area of ​​the pressing section in the holding section is larger than the area of ​​the non-pressing section by a certain amount. The heater power density of the heating section disposed on the outer surface of the pressing section may be the same as the heater power density of the heating section covering the outer surface of the non-pressing section. The temperature rise rate of the heating section disposed on the outer surface of the pressing section may be the same as the temperature rise rate of the heating section covering the outer surface of the non-pressing section. The heating temperature of the heating section disposed on the outer surface of the pressing section may be the same as the heating temperature of the heating section covering the outer surface of the non-pressing section. Note that "same" here includes the case where they are substantially the same.

[0035] The heating section has a heating element, which may be a heating track. The outer surface of the pressing section and the outer surface of the non-pressing section may be connected to each other at an angle, forming a boundary between the outer surfaces of the pressing section and the non-pressing section. The heating track preferably extends only in a direction intersecting the direction of the boundary, more preferably in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the boundary. This makes the heating track less likely to be damaged and less likely to peel off from the outer surface of the holding section. Note that the term "perpendicular direction" here also includes a case where the heating track is substantially perpendicular.

[0036] The heating unit may be, for example, a seat heater. The seat heater may have a structure in which, for example, a layer of an electrically insulating material and a layer of a heating track, which is an example of a heating element, are stacked. Furthermore, for example, the heating unit may have a structure in which a layer of a heating track is disposed between two layers of electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may be, for example, polyimide, and the heating track may be, for example, a metal such as stainless steel. This provides a flexible heating structure that is easy to manufacture and highly reliable.

[0037] The consumable product may have a smokable article and a filter segment. The filter segment may include a mouthpiece filter and a centerhole segment. The centerhole segment may be located closer to the smokable article than the mouthpiece filter. Specifically, the consumable product may be a rod-shaped non-combustible heat-not-burn tobacco product comprising a smokable article, a mouthpiece portion, and a second cigarette paper such as tipping paper wrapped around the smokable article and the mouthpiece portion. The mouthpiece portion has a cooling segment and a filter segment. The filter segment has a centerhole segment (hollow filter portion) and a mouthpiece filter (filter portion). The cooling segment may be sandwiched adjacent to the smokable article and the filter segment in the axial direction (also referred to as the "longitudinal direction") of the consumable product. The cooling segment may also have an opening V formed concentrically around the circumferential direction of the cooling segment. The opening V formed in the cooling segment of the consumable product is typically a hole for promoting the inflow of air from the outside when the user inhales, and this inflow of air can lower the temperature of the components and air flowing in from the smokable article.

[0038] the consumable has a first portion having a first hardness and a second portion having a second hardness; The second location may be a location different from the first location in the insertion direction of the consumable, and the first location may be located closer to an end of the consumable in the longitudinal direction than the second location.

[0039] When the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, the consumable is preferably positioned so that at least a portion of the first portion is pressed against the inner surface of the pressing portion. The first hardness is, for example, 65% to 90%, preferably 70% to 85%, more preferably 73% to 82%, and most preferably 77% to 81%. This makes it easier for the consumable to maintain its shape and for the consumable to be inserted into the holder.

[0040] When the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, the consumable is preferably positioned so that at least a portion of the second portion is pressed against the inner surface of the pressing portion. The second hardness is, for example, 90% to 99%, preferably 90% to 99%, more preferably 92% to 98%, and most preferably 95% to 98%. This facilitates insertion and securely holds the consumable.

[0041] The second hardness is preferably higher than the first hardness. This allows for easy insertion of the consumable into the holding portion and secure retention of the consumable simultaneously. Furthermore, when the consumable is inserted into the chamber, the state where only the first portion is pressed against the inner surface of the pressing portion changes to a state where the second portion is also pressed against the inner surface of the pressing portion, allowing the user to feel a change in resistance during insertion of the consumable. As a result, the user can know how far the consumable has been inserted into the chamber during insertion, which provides a clue as to how far the consumable needs to be inserted until it reaches the desired insertion position, making it easier to position the consumable in the desired position. To allow the user to more clearly feel this change in resistance, the first and second portions are preferably arranged adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the difference between the first and second hardnesses is preferably at least 4%, more preferably 10% or more, and most preferably 14% or more.

[0042] The term "stiffness" as used throughout this specification means resistance to deformation. Stiffness is commonly expressed as a ratio. If the consumable is a cylindrical stick, the diameter of the consumable before applying a load is defined as D. s The diameter of the consumable in the direction of the load when a specified load is applied in the diameter direction is D d Then, the deformation d of the consumable when a specified load is applied is D s -D d Here, hardness (%) is expressed as Dd / Ds x 100 (%). The harder the material that makes up the consumable, the closer the hardness is to 100%.

[0043] Dd Measurements are made in accordance with ISO 187 at an ambient temperature of 22±2 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 60% using a commercially available device called Hardness Tester H10 (Borgwaldt KC GmbH, Hamburg, Germany) with an applied load of 88 grams for 5 seconds.

[0044] Preferably, the longitudinal length of the first portion of the consumable is equal to or less than the longitudinal length of the inner surface of the pressing portion, and the consumable is positioned in the chamber so that, when the consumable is positioned at the desired position in the chamber, the first portion of the consumable does not extend beyond the inner surface of the pressing portion in the longitudinal direction. In this way, if a smokable article is contained in the first portion, the smokable article is pressed along its entire longitudinal length, allowing the entire smokable article to be efficiently heated and atomized. Furthermore, when the consumable is positioned at the desired position in the chamber, the entire outer peripheral surface of the smokable article of the consumable is preferably covered by the retaining portion. In this way, the entire outer peripheral surface of the smokable article is directly heated by the retaining portion, allowing the smokable article to be heated uniformly and efficiently. Furthermore, when the consumable is positioned at the desired position in the chamber, the consumable is preferably positioned so that at least a portion of the first portion is pressed against the inner surface of the pressing portion, and at the same time, at least a portion of the second portion is pressed against the inner surface of the pressing portion. This allows efficient heating of the smokable article by the pressing portion and secure holding of the consumable article at the same time when the smokable article is contained in the first location.

[0045] When the consumable is positioned at the desired position, the distance by which the second portion of the consumable is inserted into the holding portion is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 10.0 mm or less, more preferably 2.0 mm or more and 8.0 mm or less, and most preferably 4.0 mm or more and 6.0 mm or less, thereby ensuring an appropriate holding force for the consumable and making it easy to insert the consumable at the same time.

[0046] The chamber may have a bottom or abutment. The length from the bottom wall or abutment surface of the chamber against which the consumable abuts to the end of the pressing portion on the opening side is longer than the longitudinal length of the first portion of the consumable (hereinafter referred to as the "length of the first portion"), but is preferably shorter than 1.5 times the length of the first portion, and more preferably shorter than 1.35 times the length of the first portion. And / or, when the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, at least a portion of the first portion of the consumable is preferably located closer to the opening than the longitudinal center of the holding portion. This allows the user to feel a change in resistance before the first portion of the consumable abuts the bottom wall or abutment surface of the chamber, and the insertion position at which this change is felt can be relatively close to the desired insertion position of the consumable, making it easier to position the consumable in the desired position and improving the user experience.

[0047] The first location preferably has a smokable article including tobacco as an example of a flavor source. The first location may also have a breathable sheet member around which the smokable article is wrapped, and a lid secured to the sheet member to prevent the smokable article from falling. The lid is breathable and may be attached to the sheet member, for example, with glue. The lid may also be secured to the sheet member by friction. The lid may be, for example, a paper filter or an acetate filter. The second location may have a cooling segment. The cooling segment may include a paper tube or a hollow filter.

[0048] The rod-shaped consumable product preferably has a columnar shape that satisfies the requirement that the aspect ratio defined below be 1 or greater. Aspect ratio = h / w w is the width of the base of the columnar body (in this specification, this is the width of the base on the smokable article side), and h is the height, and it is preferable that h≧w. In this specification, the long axis direction is defined as the direction indicated by h. Therefore, even if w≧h, the direction indicated by h will be referred to as the long axis direction for convenience. The shape of the base is not limited and may be a polygon, rounded polygon, circle, ellipse, etc., and the width w is the diameter if the base is circular, the major axis if it is elliptical, or the diameter of the circumscribing circle or the major axis of the circumscribing ellipse if the base is polygonal or rounded polygonal.

[0049] The consumable may have a first cigarette paper for wrapping the smokable article. The longitudinal length of the consumable is preferably 40 mm to 90 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 75 mm, and even more preferably 50 mm to 60 mm. More specifically, the length h of the consumable in the major axis direction is not particularly limited, and is, for example, typically 40 mm or more, preferably 45 mm or more, and more preferably 50 mm or more. The length h of the consumable in the major axis direction is also typically 100 mm or less, preferably 90 mm or less, and more preferably 80 mm or less. The circumference of the consumable is preferably 15 mm to 25 mm, more preferably 17 mm to 24 mm, and even more preferably 20 mm to 23 mm. More specifically, the width w of the base of the columnar body of the consumable is not particularly limited, and is, for example, typically 5 mm or more, and preferably 5.5 mm or more. The width w of the base of the columnar body of the consumable product is typically 10 mm or less, preferably 9 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm or less. The length of the smokable article in the consumable product may be 18 mm to 22 mm, the length of the first cigarette paper may be 18 mm to 22 mm, the length of the center hole segment may be 7 mm to 9 mm, and the length of the mouthpiece filter may be 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0050] The ratio of the lengths of the cooling segments and the filter segments (cooling segments:filter segments) in the longitudinal length of the consumable product is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of flavor delivery amount and appropriate aerosol temperature, it is usually 0.60-1.40:0.60-1.40, preferably 0.80-1.20:0.80-1.20, more preferably 0.85-1.15:0.85-1.15, even more preferably 0.90-1.10:0.90-1.10, and particularly preferably 0.95-1.05:0.95-1.05. By setting the length ratio of the cooling segments and the filter segments within the above ranges, a balance is achieved between the cooling effect, the effect of suppressing loss of generated vapor and aerosol due to adhesion to the inner wall of the cooling segments, and the filter's air volume and flavor adjustment function, resulting in a good flavor and flavor intensity. In particular, if the cooling segment is made longer, the aerosol or the like is made more granular, and a good flavor can be achieved, but if it is too long, the substances passing through will adhere to the inner wall.

[0051] The airflow resistance in the longitudinal direction of each consumable is not particularly limited, but from the perspective of ease of drawing, it is typically 8 mmH2O or more, preferably 10 mmH2O or more, and more preferably 12 mmH2O or more. It is also typically 100 mmH2O or less, preferably 80 mmH2O or less, and more preferably 60 mmH2O or less. Airflow resistance is measured in accordance with the ISO standard method (ISO 6565:2015), for example, using a filter airflow resistance meter manufactured by Cerulean. Airflow resistance refers to the difference in air pressure between one end face (first end face) and the other end face (second end face) when a predetermined air flow rate (17.5 cc / min) is flowed from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) without air permeation through the side faces of the consumable. It is generally expressed in mmH2O. It is known that the relationship between the airflow resistance and the length of the consumable 110 is proportional within the normally used length range (5 mm to 200 mm), and if the length is doubled, the airflow resistance of the consumable doubles.

[0052] The configuration of the mouthpiece portion is not particularly limited as long as the cooling segment is configured to be sandwiched adjacent to the smokable article and the filter segment in the axial direction of the consumable. In other words, the consumable may have the cooling segment between the smokable article and the filter segment. The filter segment and the cooling segment are described in detail below.

[0053] (Disclosure regarding the Filter segment) The filter segment includes a mouthpiece filter and is not particularly limited as long as it has the functions of a general filter. Typical filter functions include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed in when inhaling aerosols, reducing flavors, and reducing nicotine and tar, but it is not necessary for the filter to have all of these functions. Furthermore, in electrically heated tobacco products, which tend to produce fewer components and have a lower tobacco filler filling rate than cigarette products, one important function is to suppress the filtering function while preventing the tobacco filler from falling out.

[0054] (Dimensional disclosure) The cross-sectional shape of the filter segment in the circumferential direction is substantially circular, and the diameter of the circle can be changed appropriately depending on the size of the product, but is usually 4.0 mm to 9.0 mm, preferably 4.5 mm to 8.5 mm, and more preferably 5.0 mm to 8.0 mm. If the cross section is not circular, the above diameter refers to the diameter of a circle assumed to have the same area as the cross section. The circumferential length of the cross-sectional shape of the filter segment in the circumferential direction can be changed appropriately depending on the size of the product, but is usually 14.0 mm to 27.0 mm, preferably 15.0 mm to 26.0 mm, and more preferably 16.0 mm to 25.0 mm. The axial length of the filter segment can be changed appropriately depending on the size of the product, but is usually 15 mm. The shape and dimensions of the mouthpiece filter can be adjusted as appropriate so that the shape and dimensions of the filter segment are within the above ranges.

[0055] (Disclosure regarding ventilation resistance) The airflow resistance per 120 mm of axial length of the filter segment is not particularly limited, but is typically 40 mmH2O or more and 300 mmH2O or less, preferably 70 mmH2O or more and 280 mmH2O or less, and more preferably 90 mmH2O or more and 260 mmH2O or less. The airflow resistance is measured in accordance with the ISO standard method (ISO 6565), for example, using a filter airflow resistance measuring device manufactured by Cerulean Co., Ltd. The airflow resistance of a filter segment refers to the air pressure difference between one end face (first end face) and the other end face (second end face) when air is flowed at a predetermined air flow rate (17.5 cc / min) from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) without air permeation through the side faces of the filter segment. The unit is generally expressed in mmH2O. It is known that the relationship between the airflow resistance of a filter segment and its length is proportional within the length range typically used (5 mm to 200 mm), and if the length is doubled, the airflow resistance of the filter segment doubles.

[0056] (Intake Filter Disclosure) The mouthpiece filters constituting the filter segments may be manufactured by, for example, the manufacturing method described below, or may be commercially available products. The form of the filter segment is not particularly limited, and may be a plain filter including a single filter segment, or a multi-segment filter including multiple filter segments, such as a dual filter or triple filter. The filter segments can be manufactured by known methods. For example, when synthetic fibers such as cellulose acetate tow are used as the material for the mouthpiece filter, they can be manufactured by spinning a polymer solution containing a polymer and a solvent and then crimping the resulting solution. Examples of such methods include those described in International Publication No. 2013 / 067511. In manufacturing the filter segments, the airflow resistance can be adjusted, and additives (such as known adsorbents, flavors (e.g., menthol), granular activated carbon, and flavor-retaining materials) can be added to the mouthpiece filter as appropriate. The form of the mouthpiece filters constituting the filter segments is not particularly limited, and known forms may be employed. For example, cellulose acetate tow processed into a cylindrical shape can be used. The single-filament fineness and total fineness of the cellulose acetate tow are not particularly limited, but in the case of a mouthpiece with a circumference of 22 mm, the single-filament fineness is preferably 5 g / 9000 m or more and 12 g / 9000 m or less, and the total fineness is preferably 12000 g / 9000 m or more and 35000 g / 9000 m or less. Examples of the cross-sectional shape of the cellulose acetate tow fibers include circular, elliptical, Y-shaped, I-shaped, and R-shaped. In the case of a mouthpiece filter filled with cellulose acetate tow, triacetin (a plasticizer) may be added in an amount of 5 wt% to 10 wt% based on the weight of the cellulose acetate tow to improve the filter hardness. Alternatively, a paper filter filled with sheet-shaped pulp paper may be used instead of the acetate filter.

[0057] (Disclosure regarding the Center Hole Segment) The filter segment may include a center hole segment having one or more hollow portions. The center hole segment is usually arranged closer to the cooling segment than the mouthpiece filter, and preferably adjacent to the cooling segment.

[0058] The center hole segment is composed of a filling layer having one or more hollow portions and an inner plug wrapper (inner wrapping paper) that covers the filling layer. The hollow portions can be provided at any position in the center hole segment. The center hole segment has the function of increasing the strength of the mouthpiece portion. The filling layer is, for example, a densely packed cellulose acetate fiber, and a plasticizer containing triacetin is contained in an amount of 6% by mass or more, 20% by mass or less, based on the mass of the cellulose acetate. The rod can be formed by adding the following additives and hardening them. The inner diameter of the center-hole segment can be φ1.0 mm or more and φ5.0 mm or less. Because the packed layer has a high fiber packing density, air and aerosol flow only through the hollow portion during inhalation, with almost no flow within the packed layer. Because the packed layer inside the center-hole segment is a fiber-packed layer, the feel from the outside during use is less likely to cause discomfort to the user. Note that the center-hole segment may not have an inner plug wrapper and its shape may be maintained by thermoforming. The hardness of the center-hole segment is preferably greater than that of the mouthpiece filter. Specifically, the mass percentage of the plasticizer contained in the center-hole segment is preferably greater than the mass percentage of the plasticizer contained in the mouthpiece filter. In consumable products, when it is desired to reduce the loss of aerosol components due to filtration by the mouthpiece filter, shortening the length of the mouthpiece filter and replacing it with a center-hole segment is effective in increasing the amount of aerosol delivered.

[0059] (Filter Density Disclosure) The density of the mouthpiece filter is not particularly limited, but is usually 0.10 g / cm 3 More than 0.25g / cm 3 less than 0.11 g / cm 3 More than 0.24g / cm 3 Preferably, it is 0.12 g / cm or less. 3 More than 0.23g / cm 3 More preferably, it is:

[0060] (Disclosure regarding filter wrappers (inner and outer rolls)) From the viewpoint of improving strength and structural rigidity, the filter segment may include a wrapper (filter plug wrapper) for wrapping the above-mentioned mouthpiece filter and the like. The form of the wrapper is not particularly limited, and it may include one or more rows of seams containing adhesive. The adhesive may include a hot-melt adhesive, and the hot-melt adhesive may further include polyvinyl alcohol. Furthermore, when the filter segment is composed of two or more segments, it is preferable that the wrapper wraps these two or more segments together. The material of the wrapper is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used, and it may also contain a filler such as calcium carbonate. The thickness of the wrapper is not particularly limited, and it is usually 20 μm or more and 140 μm or less, preferably 30 μm or more and 130 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or more and 120 μm or less. The basis weight of the roll is not particularly limited, but is usually from 20 gsm to 100 gsm, preferably from 22 gsm to 95 gsm, and more preferably from 23 gsm to 90 gsm. The roll may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material from the viewpoint of imparting functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

[0061] The center hole segment and mouthpiece filter may be connected, for example, by an outer plug wrapper (outer wrapping paper). The outer plug wrapper may be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper. The smokable article, the cooling segment, and the connected center hole segment and mouthpiece filter may be connected, for example, by a mouthpiece lining paper (second wrapping paper). These connections can be made, for example, by applying glue such as vinyl acetate glue to the inner surface of the mouthpiece lining paper, and then inserting and winding the smokable article, the cooling segment, and the connected center hole segment and mouthpiece filter. These may also be connected in multiple separate layers using multiple lining papers.

[0062] (Disclosure regarding destructible capsules) The mouthpiece filter may include a crushable additive-releasing container (e.g., a capsule) that includes a crushable outer shell such as gelatin. The form of the capsule (also referred to in the art as an "additive-releasing container") is not particularly limited, and any known form may be adopted, for example, a crushable additive-releasing container that includes a pressure-crushable outer shell such as gelatin. In this case, the capsule is designed to be broken by the user of the tobacco product before, during, or after use. The capsule releases a liquid or substance (usually a flavoring agent) contained therein, which is then transmitted to tobacco smoke during use of the tobacco product and to the surrounding environment after use. The form of the capsule is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a frangible capsule, preferably spherical in shape. The capsule may contain any additive, and preferably includes flavoring agents and activated carbon. The additive may also include one or more materials that help filter smoke. The form of the additive is not particularly limited, and is usually a liquid or solid. The use of capsules containing additives is well known in the art. Frangible capsules and methods for manufacturing them are well known in the art. The flavoring agent may be, for example, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, fenugreek, clove, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), etc., or any combination thereof.

[0063] (Disclosure regarding the addition of flavorings to mouthpiece filters) A flavoring may be added to the mouth filter. By adding a flavoring to the mouth filter, the amount of flavoring delivered during use is increased compared to conventional techniques in which flavoring is added to the tobacco filler that constitutes the smokable article. The degree of increase in the amount of flavoring delivered is further increased depending on the position of the openings provided in the cooling segment, which will be described later. There are no particular restrictions on the method of adding a flavoring to the mouth filter, and it is sufficient that the flavoring is added so that it is dispersed approximately uniformly in the mouth filter to which the flavoring is to be added. The amount of flavoring added to the mouth filter can be in a range of 10 to 100% by volume of the mouth filter. The flavoring may be added to the mouth filter before the filter segment is constructed, or after the mouth filter cigarette is constructed.

[0064] The type of the fragrance is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, examples thereof include acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, and the like. Nerol, clary sage extract, cocoa, coffee, konjac oil, coriander oil, cumin aldehyde, davana oil, delta-decalactone, gamma-decalactone, decanoic acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-Dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, gene absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, 4-hydroxyundecanoic acid sodium Sodium, Inmortell Absolute, β-Ionone, Isoamyl Acetate, Isoamyl Butyrate, Isoamyl Phenylacetate, Isobutyl Acetate, Isobutyl Phenylacetate, Jasmine Absolute, Cola Nut Tincture, Labdanum Oil, Lemon Terpeneless Oil, Licorice Extract, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Lovage Root Oil, Maltol, Maple Syrup, Menthol, Menthone, L-Menthyl Acetate, Para-Methoxybenzaldehyde, Methyl-2-Pyrrolyl Ketone, Methyl Anthranilate, Methyl Phenylacetate, Methyl Salicylate, 4'-Methyl Acetophenone, Methylcyclopentenolone, 3-Methylvaleric Acid, Mimosa Absolute, Honey Beetroot, Myristic Acid, Nerol, Nerolidol, γ-Nonalactone, Nutmeg Oil, δ-Octalactone, Octanal, Octanoic Acid, Orange Flower Oil, Orange Oil, Orris Root Oil, Palmitic Acid, ω-Pentadecalactone, Peppermint Oil, Petitgrain Oil of Paraguay, Phenethyl Alcohol, Phenethyl Phenylacetate, Phenylacetic Acid, Piperonal, Plum Extract, Propenylguaeitol, Propyl Acetate, 3-Propylidenephthalide, Blue Ingredients: Apple juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, alpha-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-2-methylpropional Examples of suitable menthols include 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), and ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5), with menthol being particularly preferred.These fragrances may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0065] (Disclosure regarding activated carbon addition) Activated carbon may be added to at least a portion of the intake filter. The amount of activated carbon added is 15.0 m per one consumable, calculated as the specific surface area of ​​activated carbon × weight of activated carbon / cross-sectional area of ​​the intake filter in the direction perpendicular to the airflow direction. 2 / cm 2 Over 80.0m 2 / cm 2 The above formula (1) is sometimes used to refer to the "specific surface area of ​​activated carbon × weight of activated carbon / cross-sectional area of ​​the mouthpiece filter perpendicular to the direction of airflow" as the "surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area." This surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be calculated based on the specific surface area of ​​the activated carbon added to the mouthpiece filter of a single consumable, the weight of the added activated carbon, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the mouthpiece filter. Note that activated carbon may not be uniformly dispersed in the mouthpiece filter to which it is added, so it is not required that the above range be satisfied across the entire cross-section of the mouthpiece filter (cross-section perpendicular to the direction of airflow). By ensuring that the surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is within the above range, the desired amount of components generated by heating can be delivered to the user, and the desired flavor sensation can be imparted to the user. If the surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is smaller than the lower limit of the above range, the effect of adding activated carbon cannot be fully achieved. On the other hand, if the surface area of ​​the activated carbon per unit cross section is greater than the upper limit of the above range, the components generated by heating will be reduced more than necessary.

[0066] The surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross section is 17.0 m 2 / cm 2 More preferably, it is 35.0m or more. 2 / cm 2 It is more preferable that the value is 77.0m or more. 2 / cm 2 It is more preferable that it is 73.0m or less. 2 / cm 2The surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the specific surface area of ​​activated carbon, the amount of activated carbon added, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the mouthpiece filter in the direction perpendicular to the direction of airflow. The calculation of the surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is based on the mouthpiece filter to which activated carbon has been added. When a filter segment is made up of multiple intake filters, the cross-sectional area and length of only the intake filter to which activated carbon has been added are used as the basis.

[0067] Examples of activated carbon that can be used in this embodiment include those made from raw materials such as wood, bamboo, coconut shells, walnut shells, and coal. Activated carbon that can be used in this embodiment also includes activated carbon having a BET specific surface area of ​​1100 m or more. 2 / g or more, 1600m 2 / g or less, and preferably 1200m 2 / g or more, 1500m 2 / g or less, and more preferably 1250m 2 / g or more, 1380m 2 / g or less can be used. The BET specific surface area can be determined by nitrogen gas adsorption (BET multipoint method). In addition, the activated carbon that can be used in this embodiment can have a pore volume of 400 μL / g or more and 800 μL / g or less, more preferably 500 μL / g or more and 750 μL / g or less, and even more preferably 600 μL / g or more and 700 μL / g or less. The pore volume can be calculated from the maximum adsorption amount obtained using the nitrogen gas adsorption method.

[0068] In this embodiment, the amount of activated carbon added per unit length in the airflow direction of the mouthpiece filter to which activated carbon is added is preferably 5 mg / cm or more and 50 mg / cm or less, more preferably 8 mg / cm or more and 40 mg / cm or less, and even more preferably 10 mg / cm or more and 35 mg / cm or less. In this embodiment, by setting the specific surface area of ​​the activated carbon and the amount of activated carbon added within the above ranges, the surface area of ​​the activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be adjusted to a desired value. Furthermore, the activated carbon that can be used in this embodiment preferably has a cumulative 10% by volume particle diameter (particle diameter D10) of 250 μm or more and 1200 μm or less. Furthermore, the cumulative 50% by volume particle diameter (particle diameter D50) of the activated carbon particles is preferably 350 μm or more and 1500 μm or less. Note that D10 and D50 are measured by laser diffraction scattering. An example of an apparatus suitable for this measurement is Horiba, Ltd.'s laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer "LA-950." Powder is poured into the cell of this device together with pure water, and the particle size is detected based on the light scattering information of the particles. The measurement conditions using this device are as follows. Measurement mode: Manual flow cell measurement Dispersion medium: ion-exchanged water Dispersion method: Measured after 1 minute of ultrasonic irradiation Refractive index: 1.92-0.00i (sample refractive index) / 1.33-0.00i (dispersion medium refractive index) Number of measurements: Measure twice with different samples

[0069] In this embodiment, the method for adding activated carbon to the mouth filter is not particularly limited, as long as the activated carbon is added so as to be substantially uniformly dispersed in the mouth filter to which the activated carbon is to be added. The filter segments may be, for example, those manufactured by a known manufacturing method or commercially available products. The form of the filter segments is also not particularly limited, and may be a filter including a single filter segment, or a multi-segment filter including multiple filter segments, such as a dual filter or triple filter. When the filter segment is a single filter segment, the mouth filter to which the activated carbon is added serves as the filter segment. On the other hand, when the filter segment is composed of multiple filter segments, the mouth filter to which the activated carbon is added is preferably positioned upstream of the mouth filter that constitutes the mouth end. Alternatively, the activated carbon may be added to the mouth filter that constitutes the mouth end. When the filter segment is a multi-segment filter, the length of the filter segment used as the basis for the amount of activated carbon to be added is the length of the mouth filter to which the activated carbon is added. The amount of activated carbon added, in terms of weight relative to the entire filter segment, can be, for example, 4.0 mg to 24.0 mg, preferably 4.5 mg to 23.0 mg, and more preferably 10.5 mg to 22.0 mg.

[0070] (Disclosure regarding the Refrigeration segment) The cooling segment may be sandwiched adjacent to the smokable article and the filter segment. The cooling segment typically comprises a rod-like or tubular member having a cavity in a circumferential cross section, such as a cylinder, that is hollow (hollow). When the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, the holding portion may have a gap between the inner surface of the non-pressing portion and the consumable, the gap communicating between the opening of the chamber and an end face of the consumable positioned at the desired position in the chamber, or between the opening of the chamber and an end face of the consumable positioned within the chamber and positioned farther from the opening of the chamber. In this case, a flow path for introducing air to be supplied to the consumable is formed between the inner surface of the non-pressing portion and the consumable. Therefore, as the user inhales, a high-speed air flow is generated around the cooling segment, which can enhance the cooling effect of the cooling segment and promote aerosol generation.

[0071] (Disclosure regarding dimensions of cooling segments) The length of the cooling segment in the longitudinal direction can be changed appropriately depending on the size of the product, but is usually 15 mm or more, preferably 20 mm or more, and more preferably 25 mm or more, and is usually 40 mm or less, preferably 35 mm or less, and more preferably 30 mm or less. By setting the length of the cooling segment in the longitudinal direction to be equal to or greater than the above lower limit, a sufficient cooling effect can be ensured to obtain a good flavor, and by setting it to be equal to or less than the above upper limit, losses due to the generated steam and aerosol adhering to the inner wall of the cooling segment can be suppressed.

[0072] The cooling segment may be filled with a cooling sheet or the like. The total surface area of ​​the cooling segment is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 300 mm 2 / mm or more, 1000mm 2 / mm or less. This surface area is the surface area per length (mm) of the cooling segment in the airflow direction. The total surface area of ​​the cooling segment is 400 mm 2 / mm or more is preferable, and 450mm 2 / mm or more is more preferable, while 600mm 2 / mm or less is preferable, and 550mm 2 More preferably, the cooling segment has a total surface area of ​​1 / mm or less. It is desirable that the cooling segment have a large total surface area due to its internal structure. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling segment may comprise a thin sheet of material that is wrinkled to form channels, and then pleated, gathered, and folded. The more folds or pleats within a given volume of the element, the greater the total surface area of ​​the cooling segment. The thickness of the constituent material of the cooling segment is not particularly limited and may be, for example, from 5 μm to 500 μm, or from 10 μm to 250 μm.

[0073] (Disclosure regarding openings) The cooling segment may be provided with circumferentially and concentrically arranged openings (also referred to in the art as "ventilation filters (Vf)"). The number of openings is not limited. The openings may be present in an area 4 mm or more from the boundary between the cooling segment and the filter segment toward the cooling segment. The presence of the openings allows air to flow into the cooling segment from the outside during use, lowering the temperature of the components and air flowing in from the smokable article. Furthermore, by positioning the cooling segment within an area 4 mm or more from the boundary between the cooling segment and the filter segment toward the cooling segment, not only can the cooling capacity be improved, but the retention of components generated by heating within the cooling segment can be suppressed, thereby improving the delivery amount of the components. Note that when an aerosol base is used in a smokable article, vapor containing the aerosol base and tobacco flavor components generated by heating the consumable article is liquefied by contacting air from the outside and lowering its temperature, thereby facilitating the generation of an aerosol.

[0074] In addition, when the concentric pores are treated as one pore group, there is only one pore group. There may be one or more groups of holes, or two or more groups of holes. When there are two or more groups of holes, from the viewpoint of improving the delivery amount of components generated by heating, it is preferable that no groups of holes are provided in an area less than 4 mm from the boundary between the cooling segment and the filter segment toward the cooling segment. Furthermore, when the consumable product is configured such that the smokable article, cooling segment, and filter segment are wrapped in tipping paper (second cigarette paper), it is preferable that the tipping paper has holes provided directly above the holes provided in the cooling segment. When producing such a consumable product, tipping paper with holes provided so as to overlap the holes may be prepared and used for wrapping, but from the viewpoint of ease of production, it is preferable to produce the consumable product using a cooling segment without holes, and then drill holes that pass through both the cooling segment and the tipping paper at the same time.

[0075] (Disclosure regarding hole position) The region where the apertures exist can be a region of 4 mm or more from the boundary between the cooling segment and the filter segment toward the cooling segment from the viewpoint of improving the delivery of components generated by heating, and from the viewpoint of further improving the delivery of the components, a region of 4.5 mm or more is preferable, a region of 5 mm or more is more preferable, and a region of 5.5 mm or more is even more preferable, and from the viewpoint of ensuring the cooling function, a region of 15 mm or less is preferable, a region of 10 mm or less is even more preferable, and a region of 7 mm or less is even more preferable. The region where the apertures V exist is a region of 24 mm or more from the mouth end of the consumable toward the cooling segment from the viewpoint of improving the delivery of components generated by heating, and is preferably a region of 24.5 mm or more, and is preferably a region of 25 mm or more, and is even more preferable, and from the viewpoint of ensuring the cooling function, a region of 35 mm or less, and is even more preferable, and is even more preferable, and is even more preferable, and is even more preferable,

[0076] Furthermore, when the boundary between the cooling segment and the smokable article is used as a reference, if the axial length of the cooling segment is 20 mm or more, the area where the openings exist is preferably an area of ​​5 mm or more from the boundary between the cooling segment and the smokable article toward the cooling segment, from the viewpoint of ensuring the cooling function, more preferably an area of ​​10 mm or more, and even more preferably an area of ​​13 mm or more; and from the viewpoint of improving the delivery of components generated by heating, it is preferably an area of ​​16 mm or less, more preferably an area of ​​15.5 mm or less, even more preferably an area of ​​15 mm or less, and particularly preferably an area of ​​14.5 mm or less.

[0077] (Disclosure regarding the rate of air inflow through the opening) The apertures are preferably arranged so that when an automatic smoking machine inhales at 17.5 ml / sec, the air inflow rate through the apertures (the volumetric rate of air inflowing through the apertures when the volumetric rate of air inhaled from the mouth end is taken as 100 volumetric rate) is 10 to 90 volume %, preferably 50 to 80 volume %, and more preferably 55 to 75 volume %. For example, this can be achieved by selecting the number of apertures V per aperture group from the range of 5 to 50, selecting the diameter of the apertures V from the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm, or by combining these selections. The air inflow rate can be measured using an automatic smoking machine (for example, a single-cigarette automatic smoking machine manufactured by Borgwaldt) using a method conforming to ISO 9512.

[0078] (Smokable Material Disclosure) The form of the smokable article is not particularly limited as long as it is a known form, but is usually a form in which a tobacco filler is wrapped in cigarette paper (first cigarette paper). The tobacco filler is not particularly limited, and the first tobacco filler or the second tobacco filler described below can be used. Furthermore, in this specification, molded products of dried tobacco such as tobacco shreds, tobacco sheets, tobacco granules, etc. described below may be simply referred to as "dried tobacco leaves." Furthermore, smokable articles are made by heating tobacco products. The heater element may have a fitting portion for fitting with a heater element or the like.

[0079] Disclosure of smokable item dimensions A smokable article formed by wrapping a tobacco filler in cigarette paper preferably has a columnar shape, and in this case, the aspect ratio, expressed as the height of the smokable article in the major axis direction relative to the width of the base of the smokable article, is preferably at least 1. The shape of the base is not limited and may be polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, elliptical, etc., and the width is the diameter if the base is circular, the major axis if the base is elliptical, and the diameter of the circumscribed circle or the major axis of the circumscribed ellipse if the base is polygonal or rounded polygonal. The height of the tobacco filler constituting the smokable article is preferably about 10 mm to 70 mm, and the width is preferably about 4 mm to 9 mm.

[0080] The longitudinal length of the smokable article can be varied appropriately depending on the size of the product, but is typically 10 mm or more, preferably 12 mm or more, more preferably 15 mm or more, and even more preferably 18 mm or more, and typically 70 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 30 mm or less, and even more preferably 25 mm or less. The ratio of the length of the smokable article to the overall longitudinal length h of the consumable is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the balance between the delivery amount and the aerosol temperature, it is typically 10% or more, preferably 20% or more, more preferably 25% or more, and even more preferably 30% or more, and typically 80% or less, preferably 70% or less, more preferably 60% or less, even more preferably 50% or less, particularly preferably 45% or less, and most preferably 40% or less.

[0081] (Filling volume disclosure) The content of dried tobacco leaf in a smokable article is not particularly limited, but can be from 200 mg to 800 mg per smokable article, and preferably from 250 mg to 600 mg per smokable article, which range is particularly suitable for smokable articles with a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm.

[0082] (Disclosure regarding filler (first tobacco filler: cut filler)) First, the first tobacco filler (also simply referred to as the "first filler") will be described. The material of the tobacco shreds (flavor source) contained in the first filler is not particularly limited, and tobacco such as lamina or ribs, or other known plants, can be used. The flavor source, such as tobacco, may be in the form of shreds, sheets, strings, powder, granules, pellets, slurry, or porous form. Specifically, for example, the tobacco shredder may be produced by pulverizing dried tobacco leaves to an average particle size of 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less to obtain tobacco grounds, which is then homogenized and processed into a sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as a homogenized sheet), and then shredded. Furthermore, the homogenized sheet may be a so-called strand type, in which a homogenized sheet having a length approximately the same as the longitudinal direction of the smokable article is shredded approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the smokable article and filled into the smokable article. Furthermore, the above-mentioned processed sheet may be gathered without being shredded and used as a smokable article. Furthermore, the width of the shredded tobacco is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less when filling a smokable article. The range of the content of smokable material such as tobacco in a consumable product is, for example, 200 mg to 400 mg, and preferably 250 mg to 320 mg, when the size of the smokable article is 20 mm to 23 mm in circumference and 18 mm to 22 mm in length.

[0083] The tobacco leaves used for producing the tobacco shreds and homogenized sheets may be of various types. Examples include flue-cured tobacco, burley, oriental, native tobacco, other Nicotiana tabacum varieties, Nicotiana rustica varieties, and mixtures thereof. The mixtures may be pre-mixed to achieve the desired flavor. The above varieties can be blended appropriately. Details of the tobacco varieties are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009." There are several conventional methods for producing the homogenized sheet, i.e., grinding tobacco leaves and processing them into a homogenized sheet. The first method is to produce a paper-making sheet using a papermaking process. The second method is to mix an appropriate solvent, such as water, with ground tobacco leaves to homogenize them, then cast the homogenized mixture thinly onto a metal plate or metal plate belt and dry it to produce a cast sheet. The third method is to mix an appropriate solvent, such as water, with ground tobacco leaves to homogenize them, and extrude the mixture into a sheet to produce a rolled sheet. Details of the types of homogenized sheets are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009."

[0084] The moisture content of the tobacco filler may be 8% by weight or more and 18% by weight or less, preferably 10% by weight to 16% by weight, more preferably 10% by weight to 15% by weight or less, and even more preferably 11% by weight to 13% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the tobacco filler. Such a moisture content suppresses the occurrence of stains on the surface of the tobacco filler and improves the suitability for rolling during the manufacture of smokable articles. Furthermore, the consumable product is more likely to deform appropriately to fit the cross-sectional shape of the holding section. There are no particular restrictions on the size or preparation method of the tobacco shreds contained in the first tobacco filler. For example, dried tobacco leaves shredded to a width of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm may be used, preferably shredded to a width of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Furthermore, when using a ground homogenized sheet, dried tobacco leaves may be ground to an average particle size of approximately 20 μm to 200 μm, homogenized, and then processed into a sheet, which may then be shredded to a width of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0085] The first tobacco filler may contain an aerosol base that generates aerosol smoke. The type of aerosol base is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their constituents can be selected depending on the application. Examples of aerosol bases include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol base in the first tobacco filler (% by weight relative to the weight of the first tobacco filler) is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoints of generating sufficient aerosol and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, and usually 50% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less, relative to the total weight of the tobacco filler.

[0086] The first tobacco filler may contain a flavoring. The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, it may be the same flavoring as the flavoring added to the mouthpiece filter described above.

[0087] The content of the flavoring in the first tobacco filling is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, it is usually 10,000 ppm or more, preferably 20,000 ppm or more, more preferably 25,000 ppm or more, and is usually 70,000 ppm or less, preferably 50,000 ppm or less, more preferably 40,000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 33,000 ppm or less.

[0088] The packing density of the first tobacco filler is not particularly limited, but is usually 250 mg / cm from the viewpoint of ensuring the performance of the consumable product and imparting a good flavor. 3 or more, preferably 300 mg / cm 3 or more, and usually 400 mg / cm 3 or less, preferably 350 mg / cm 3 The first tobacco filler is wrapped in a wrapping paper so that the first tobacco filler is on the inside to form a smokable article.

[0089] (Disclosure regarding filling material (second tobacco filling material: sheet filling material)) The second tobacco filler is composed of a tobacco sheet filled into the filler. The number of tobacco sheets may be one or more. When the second tobacco filler is composed of a single tobacco sheet, for example, the tobacco sheet may be filled in a state where one side of the tobacco sheet has a length approximately equal to the longitudinal direction of the filler, and is folded multiple times horizontally to the longitudinal direction of the filler (so-called gathered sheet). Another example is a state where the tobacco sheet has a side of the tobacco sheet having a length approximately equal to the longitudinal direction of the filler, and is filled in a state where the tobacco sheet is wound in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filler.

[0090] In a case where the second tobacco filler is composed of two or more tobacco sheets, for example, a plurality of tobacco sheets, each having a length of one side approximately the same as the longitudinal direction of the filler, are wound in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filler so as to be concentrically arranged and packed. "Concentrically arranged" means that the centers of all the tobacco sheets are located at approximately the same position. The number of tobacco sheets is not particularly limited, but examples include two, three, four, five, six, or seven. The two or more tobacco sheets may all have the same composition or physical properties, or some or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or physical properties. The thickness of each tobacco sheet may be the same or different.

[0091] The second tobacco filler can be produced by preparing a plurality of tobacco sheets of different widths, stacking them so that the width decreases from the bottom to the top, and then passing the stack through a rolling tube to roll and form it. According to this production method, the plurality of tobacco sheets extend in the longitudinal direction and are arranged concentrically about the longitudinal axis. A longitudinally extending fitting portion may be formed between the longitudinal axis and the innermost tobacco sheet.

[0092] In this manufacturing method, the laminate is preferably prepared so that a non-contact portion is formed between adjacent tobacco sheets after rolling. The presence of non-contact portions (gaps) between multiple tobacco sheets where the tobacco sheets do not contact each other ensures flavor flow paths and enhances the delivery efficiency of flavor components. On the other hand, heat from the heater can be transferred to the outer tobacco sheets through the contact portions of the multiple tobacco sheets, ensuring high heat transfer efficiency. To provide non-contact portions between multiple tobacco sheets where the tobacco sheets do not contact each other, for example, embossed tobacco sheets can be used, adjacent tobacco sheets can be laminated without being entirely bonded to each other, adjacent tobacco sheets can be laminated by partially bonding each other, or adjacent tobacco sheets can be laminated by lightly bonding each other entirely or partially to each other so that they can be peeled off after rolling. When preparing a smokable product including cigarette paper, the cigarette paper can be placed at the bottom of the laminate. Alternatively, a fitting portion can be formed by placing a cylindrical dummy such as a mandrel on the top of the laminate to form a second tobacco filler and then removing the dummy.

[0093] The packing density of the second tobacco filler is not particularly limited, but is usually 250 mg / cm from the viewpoint of ensuring the performance of the tobacco product and imparting a good flavor. 3 or more, preferably 300 mg / cm 3 or more, and usually 400 mg / cm 3 or less, preferably 350 mg / cm 3 The following is the result.

[0094] The tobacco sheet may contain an aerosol base that generates aerosol smoke upon heating. The aerosol base may be an aerosol source such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or a polyol such as 1,3-butanediol. The amount of the aerosol base added is preferably 5% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less, and more preferably 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the tobacco sheet.

[0095] Tobacco sheets can be appropriately manufactured by known methods such as papermaking, slurrying, rolling, etc. Note that the homogenized sheet described in the first tobacco filler can also be used. In the case of papermaking, they can be manufactured by a method including the following steps: 1) Dried tobacco leaves are roughly crushed and extracted with water to separate them into an aqueous extract and a residue. 2) The aqueous extract is dried and concentrated under reduced pressure. 3) Pulp is added to the residue, which is then fiberized in a refiner and then made into paper. 4) A concentrated solution of the aqueous extract is added to the paper-made sheet and dried to obtain a tobacco sheet. In this case, a step of removing some components such as nitrosamines may be added (see JP 2004-510422 A). In the case of the slurry method, they can be manufactured by a method including the following steps: 1) Water, pulp, and a binder are mixed with crushed tobacco leaves. 2) The mixture is thinly spread (cast) and dried. In this case, a step of removing some of the components such as nitrosamines by irradiating a slurry of water, pulp, binder, and crushed tobacco leaves with ultraviolet light or X-rays may be added.

[0096] Alternatively, as described in International Publication No. 2014 / 104078, a nonwoven tobacco sheet can be produced by a method comprising the following steps: 1) mixing powdered tobacco leaves with a binder; 2) sandwiching the mixture between nonwoven fabrics; and 3) forming the laminate into a specific shape by thermal welding to obtain a nonwoven tobacco sheet. The types of tobacco leaves used as raw materials in each of the above methods can be the same as those described for the first filler. The composition of the tobacco sheet is not particularly limited, but the content of the tobacco raw material (tobacco leaves) is preferably 50% by weight or more and 95% by weight or less based on the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may also contain a binder, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, CMC (carboxymethylcellulose), or CMC-Na (sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose). The amount of the binder is preferably 1% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less based on the total weight of the tobacco sheet. The tobacco sheet may further contain other additives. Examples of additives include fillers such as pulp. In this embodiment, multiple tobacco sheets are used, and the tobacco sheets may all have the same composition or physical properties, or some or all of the tobacco sheets may have different compositions or physical properties.

[0097] The second tobacco filler can be produced by preparing a laminate of multiple tobacco sheets of different widths, stacking them so that the width decreases from bottom to top, and then passing the laminate through a rolling tube to roll and form it. According to this manufacturing method, the multiple tobacco sheets extend in the longitudinal direction and are arranged concentrically around the longitudinal axis. A longitudinally extending interlocking portion may be formed between the longitudinal axis and the innermost tobacco sheet. In this manufacturing method, the laminate is preferably prepared so that a non-contact portion is formed between adjacent tobacco sheets after rolling and forming. The presence of non-contact portions (gaps) between multiple tobacco sheets where the tobacco sheets do not contact each other can ensure a flavor flow path and improve the delivery efficiency of flavor components. On the other hand, when the tobacco product is used in an electrically heated tobacco product, heat from a heater can be transferred to the outer tobacco sheets through the contact portions of the multiple tobacco sheets, ensuring high heat transfer efficiency.

[0098] To provide non-contact portions between multiple tobacco sheets, methods for preparing a laminate include, for example, using embossed tobacco sheets, laminating adjacent tobacco sheets without bonding the entire surfaces of the sheets together, laminating adjacent tobacco sheets with partial bonding, or laminating adjacent tobacco sheets with partial or full bonding so that they can be peeled off after rolling and molding. When preparing a smokable product including cigarette paper, the cigarette paper may be placed at the bottom of the laminate. Alternatively, a cylindrical dummy such as a mandrel may be placed at the top of the laminate to form a second tobacco filler, and then the dummy may be removed to form a fitting portion. The thickness of each tobacco sheet is not limited, but should be between 150 μm and 1000 μm inclusive, taking into account the balance between heat transfer efficiency and strength. Preferably, the thickness of each tobacco sheet is 200 μm or more and 600 μm or less, and more preferably 200 μm or more and 600 μm or less. The thickness of each tobacco sheet may be the same or different. The number of tobacco sheets constituting the second tobacco filler is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 sheets.

[0099] Disclosure Regarding Fragrance-Containing Materials A smokable article can include dried tobacco leaves (dried tobacco leaves) and a flavor-containing material in which a flavor is encapsulated in a polysaccharide gel. The flavor-containing material is a material in which a flavor is encapsulated in a polysaccharide gel. By incorporating the flavor-containing material into a smokable article, variation in the amount of flavor delivered from puff to puff can be suppressed from the early to late stages of smoking, allowing for a continuous, satisfactory flavor. The inventors speculate that the reason for this is as follows: First, a consumable product is inserted into an electrically heated device and preheated for a certain period before smoking begins. If a flavor is directly incorporated into a smokable article, the flavor volatilizes during preheating, and most of it is delivered in the early stages of smoking, resulting in an insufficient amount of flavor delivered in the later stages of smoking. In contrast, if a flavor-containing material is incorporated into a smokable article, the flavor is coated with a polysaccharide gel, which suppresses volatilization of the flavor during preheating and gradually releases the flavor during smoking. Therefore, it is speculated that a sufficient amount of flavor can be delivered even in the later stages of smoking. The components of the fragrance-containing material will be described below.

[0100] The type of fragrance is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good fragrance tone, it may be the same fragrance as the fragrance added to the mouthpiece filter described above.

[0101] The content of the fragrance in the fragrance-containing material varies depending on the type of fragrance, the type of polysaccharide, etc., but is usually 18% by mass or more, preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, and is usually 90% by mass or less, preferably 80% by mass or less.

[0102] The type of polysaccharide is not particularly limited, but is preferably a single-component system of carrageenan, agar, gellan gum, tamarind gum, psyllium seed gum, or konjac glucomannan; or a composite system combining two or more components selected from the group consisting of carrageenan, locust bean gum, guar gum, agar, gellan gum, tamarind gum, xanthan gum, tara gum, konjac glucomannan, starch, cassia gum, and psyllium seed gum. These polysaccharides are preferred in that they gel simply by heating to 30°C to 90°C in an aqueous solution, eliminating the need for a gelling agent such as a metal chloride when preparing the flavor-containing material and preventing the generation of undesirable components, such as decomposition products of chlorides, in mainstream smoke during smoking.

[0103] The flavor-containing material may contain an emulsifier used to emulsify the raw materials during its preparation. The type of emulsifier is not particularly limited, and examples include lecithin, glycerin fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, etc., with lecithin being preferred. These emulsifiers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0104] The method for preparing the fragrance-containing material is not particularly limited, and the material can be prepared by a method similar to a known method. Known methods include those described in WO 2011 / 118040, JP 2013-099349, WO 2012 / 118034, etc. More specifically, the fragrance-containing material can be prepared, for example, by a method including the following steps (i) and (ii): (i) preparing an aqueous solution of a polysaccharide by heating a mixture of a polysaccharide and water to a temperature of typically 30°C to 90°C, preferably 60°C to 90°C; and (ii) A flavoring agent and, if necessary, an emulsifier are added to the aqueous solution and kneaded to obtain an emulsion slurry. The process of obtaining the above.

[0105] The content of the flavor-containing material in the smokable article depends on the content of the flavor in the flavor-containing material, but is usually 1% by mass or more, preferably 5% by mass or more, and usually 20% by mass or less, preferably 10% by mass or less, based on the dried tobacco leaf. The smokable article also contains a flavor-containing material such that the content of the flavor contained in the flavor-containing material is usually 1 mg or more, preferably 5 mg or more, more preferably 10 mg or more, and usually 30 mg or more, preferably 20 mg or less. By ensuring that the content of the flavor-containing material in the smokable article is within the above range, it is possible not only to impart a good flavor note, but also to suppress variation in the amount of flavor delivered from puff to puff from the early to late stages of smoking, and to ensure a sufficient amount of flavor delivered in all of the early, middle, and late stages of smoking.

[0106] The manner in which a flavor-containing material is incorporated into a smokable article is not particularly limited. The flavor-containing material may be disposed on the inside and / or outside of cigarette paper that wraps a tobacco filler, the cigarette paper may be impregnated with the flavor-containing material, or the tobacco filler may be incorporated with the flavor-containing material. When the flavor-containing material is disposed on the inside and / or outside of cigarette paper that wraps a tobacco filler, the emulsion slurry may be applied to the cigarette paper, or the emulsion slurry may be sequentially cast onto a substrate and dried to form a flavor-containing sheet, which is then wrapped around the tobacco filler together with the cigarette paper. Cigarette paper impregnated with the flavor-containing material can be produced by impregnating cigarette paper with the emulsion slurry and drying it. Furthermore, when the flavor-containing material is incorporated into the tobacco filler, the emulsion slurry may be applied to or impregnated into dried tobacco leaves, or the flavor-containing sheet, or its shredded or pulverized form, may be mixed with dried tobacco.

[0107] (Disclosure regarding rolling papers) The consumable product may have a second cigarette paper different from the first cigarette paper, which wraps at least one of the cooling segment, the center hole segment, and the mouthpiece filter. The second cigarette paper may wrap a portion of the first cigarette paper that wraps the smokable article. The composition of the cigarette paper (hereinafter, including the first cigarette paper and the second cigarette paper) is not particularly limited and may be any common form, such as one primarily composed of pulp. Pulp may be made from wood pulp such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, or may be made by blending non-wood pulp commonly used in cigarette papers for tobacco products, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, or esparto. Pulp types that can be used include chemical pulp produced by kraft cooking, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking, soda cooking, etc., ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, and thermomechanical pulp.

[0108] The above pulp is used to produce cigarette paper by adjusting and uniforming the texture during the papermaking process using a Fourdrinier paper machine, a cylinder paper machine, a combined cylinder / short-cylinder paper machine, or the like. If necessary, a wet strength agent may be added to impart water resistance to the cigarette paper, or a sizing agent may be added to adjust the printing quality of the cigarette paper. Furthermore, internal papermaking aids such as aluminum sulfate, various anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric retention aids, drainage aids, and paper strength agents, as well as papermaking additives such as dyes, pH adjusters, antifoaming agents, pitch control agents, and slime control agents, may be added.

[0109] The basis weight of the cigarette paper base paper is, for example, usually 20 gsm or more, preferably 25 gsm or more. On the other hand, the basis weight is usually 65 gsm or less, preferably 50 gsm or less, and more preferably 45 gsm or less. The thickness of the cigarette paper having the above properties is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoints of rigidity, breathability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking, it is usually 10 μm or more, preferably 20 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, and also usually 100 μm or less, preferably 75 μm or less, and more preferably 50 μm or less. The shape of the cigarette paper for such consumables can be, for example, square or rectangular. For wrapping a tobacco filler, When used as cigarette paper (to produce a smokable article), the length of one side can be approximately 12 mm to 70 mm, and the length of the other side can be 15 mm to 28 mm, with the preferred length of the other side being 22 mm to 24 mm, and a more preferred length being approximately 23 mm. When wrapping a tobacco filler in cigarette paper into a cylindrical shape, for example, the end of the cigarette paper in the w direction (see Figure 12) and the end on the opposite side are overlapped by approximately 2 mm and glued together to form a cylindrical paper tube shape in which the tobacco filler is filled. The size of the rectangular cigarette paper can be determined depending on the size of the finished smokable article. When used as tipping paper to connect and wrap a smokable article and other components adjacent to the smokable article, the length of one side can be 20 mm to 60 mm, and the length of the other side can be 15 mm to 28 mm.

[0110] In addition to the pulp, the cigarette paper may contain a filler. The filler content can be 10% by weight or more and less than 60% by weight, preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the cigarette paper. For the cigarette paper, the filler content is preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less within the preferred basis weight range (25 gsm or more and 45 gsm or less). Furthermore, when the basis weight is 25 gsm or more and 35 gsm or less, the filler content is preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less, and when the basis weight is more than 35 gsm and 45 gsm or less, the filler content is preferably 25% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less. Examples of fillers that can be used include calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and kaolin. However, calcium carbonate is preferred from the viewpoint of enhancing flavor and whiteness. Paper containing such fillers exhibits a bright white color, which is desirable from the viewpoint of appearance when used as cigarette paper for consumables, and can maintain its whiteness permanently. By incorporating a large amount of such filler, the ISO whiteness of the cigarette paper can be increased to, for example, 83% or more. Furthermore, from the practical viewpoint of use as cigarette paper for consumables, the first cigarette paper and the second cigarette paper preferably have a tensile strength of 8 N / 15 mm or more. This makes the cigarette paper less likely to break when the consumable held in the holding part is pulled out. This tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content. Specifically, the tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content below the upper limit of the filler content indicated for each of the basis weight ranges exemplified above.

[0111] Various auxiliary agents other than the base paper and fillers may be added to the cigarette paper. For example, a water resistance improver may be added to improve water resistance. Water resistance improvers include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength agents include urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE). Examples of sizing agents include rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or more. A paper strength agent may also be added as an auxiliary agent, such as polyacrylamide, cationic starch, oxidized starch, CMC, polyamide epichlorohydrin resin, and polyvinyl alcohol. It is known that the use of a very small amount of oxidized starch in particular improves air permeability (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-218699). The wrapping paper may also be coated as appropriate.

[0112] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces of the cigarette paper, the front and back. There are no particular limitations on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a film on the surface of the paper and reduce liquid permeability is preferred. Examples of such coating agents include polysaccharides such as alginic acid and its salts (e.g., sodium salts), pectin, cellulose derivatives such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and nitrocellulose, starch, and its derivatives (e.g., ether derivatives such as carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyalkyl starch, and cationic starch, and ester derivatives such as starch acetate, starch phosphate, and starch octenyl succinate).

[0113] (Disclosure regarding tipping paper (second wrapping paper)) The composition of the tipping paper is not particularly limited and can be any common form, such as one containing pulp as the main component. Pulp may be made from wood pulp, such as softwood pulp or hardwood pulp, or may be made by blending non-wood pulp, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, or esparto, which are commonly used in cigarette paper for tobacco products. These pulps may be used alone or in any combination of several types. The tipping paper may consist of one sheet or several or more sheets. Examples of pulp that can be used include chemical pulp produced by the kraft cooking method, acidic, neutral, or alkaline sulfite cooking method, soda salt cooking method, ground pulp, chemi-ground pulp, and thermomechanical pulp. The tipping paper may be produced by the manufacturing method described below or may be commercially available. The shape of the tipping paper is not particularly limited and may be, for example, square or rectangular.

[0114] The basis weight of the tipping paper is not particularly limited, but is usually 32 gsm or more and 40 gsm or less, preferably 33 gsm or more and 39 gsm or less, and more preferably 34 gsm or more and 38 gsm or less. The air permeability of the tipping paper is not particularly limited, but is usually 0 Coresta units or more and 30,000 Coresta units or less, and preferably more than 0 Coresta units and 10,000 Coresta units or less. The air permeability is a value measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009, and is the value of the air permeability of a 1 cm2 area per minute when the differential pressure between both sides of the paper is 1 kPa. 2 Flow rate of gas passing through (cm 3 ) 1 Coresta Unit (1 Coresta Unit, 1 C.U.) is cm under 1 kPa. 3 / (min·cm 2 )

[0115] In addition to the pulp, chip paper may contain fillers, such as metal carbonates such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, metal oxides such as titanium oxide, titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide, metal sulfates such as barium sulfate and calcium sulfate, metal sulfides such as zinc sulfide, quartz, kaolin, talc, diatomaceous earth, gypsum, etc. In particular, it is preferable for the chip paper to contain calcium carbonate from the viewpoints of improving whiteness and opacity and increasing the heating rate. Furthermore, these fillers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0116] In addition to the pulp and fillers described above, chip paper may contain various auxiliary agents, such as a water resistance improver, to improve its properties. Water resistance improvers include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength agents include urea-formaldehyde resins, melamine-formaldehyde resins, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE). Examples of sizing agents include rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or higher.

[0117] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces of the tipping paper, the front and back surfaces. There are no particular restrictions on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a film on the surface of the paper and reduce liquid permeability is preferred.

[0118] The configuration of the consumable according to this embodiment can be used in electrically heated tobacco products, but can also be applied to cigarettes (cigarettes) that involve combustion. A part of the outer surface of the tipping paper may be covered with a lip release material. The lip release material refers to a material configured to help the lips and the tipping paper to easily separate without substantial sticking when the user holds the mouthpiece of the consumable in their mouth. The lip release material may contain, for example, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, etc. For example, the outer surface of the tipping paper can be coated with the lip release material by applying an ethyl cellulose-based or methyl cellulose-based ink to the outer surface of the tipping paper. You can also use it.

[0119] In this embodiment, the lip release material of the tipping paper is disposed at least in a predetermined mouthpiece region that comes into contact with the lips of a user when the user holds the mouthpiece in his / her mouth. More specifically, the lip release material-disposed region of the outer surface of the tipping paper that is covered with the lip release material is defined as the region located between the mouthpiece end of the mouthpiece and the air vent.

[0120] The holding portion includes a first holding portion, and the chamber includes a second holding portion located farther from the opening than the first holding portion. When the consumable product is held in the first holding portion and the second holding portion of the chamber, the second holding portion is configured to compress the consumable product more than the first holding portion, and / or In a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber, the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the second holding portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the first holding portion. This allows the airflow resistance during smoking to be adjusted by pressing the second holding portion. Because the second holding portion is provided separately from the first holding portion, the shape of the second pressing portion can be designed to achieve the desired airflow resistance, independently of the shape of the first pressing portion that is suitable for optimal heating. A heating portion does not need to be located on the outer surface of the second pressing portion. In particular, if the portion of the consumable item pressed by the second holding portion does not contain a smokable object, such as the aforementioned lid, not locating a heating portion in the second holding portion suppresses heating that does not efficiently contribute to heating the smokable object, thereby enabling efficient energy use.

[0121] The first holding section may include a first pressing section that presses a portion of the consumable, and a first non-pressing section. The second holding section may include a second pressing section that presses a portion of the consumable, and a second non-pressing section. By having the first pressing section in the first holding section, the consumable is in substantial contact with the heating surface (the inner surface of the pressing section) of the first holding section, so that heat from the heating section can be efficiently transferred to the consumable.

[0122] The chamber preferably has a second guide portion with a tapered surface connecting the inner surface of the first pressing portion to the inner surface of the second pressing portion. The second guide portion allows the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the chamber to change continuously from the first pressing portion to the second pressing portion, allowing the consumable to be inserted smoothly into the chamber.

[0123] The first holding portion may have a pair of opposing first pressing surfaces, and the second holding portion may have a pair of opposing second pressing surfaces. The shortest distance between the second pressing surfaces is preferably smaller than the shortest distance between the first pressing surfaces. The second pressing surface may be a flat surface. Here, flat surface includes being substantially flat. When the second pressing surface is a flat surface, the pressing surface of the second holding portion may face the same direction as the pressing surface of the chamber of the first holding portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber. This makes it easier to manufacture the chamber and to insert the consumable item.

[0124] The second retaining portion may be disposed at the end of the chamber. In particular, when the smokable material at the tip of the consumable is pressed, the smokable material at the tip of the consumable is compressed and united by the pressing of the second retaining portion, which can reduce the likelihood of the smokable material falling into the chamber when the consumable is removed from the chamber after smoking.

[0125] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking system including a consumable product having smokable material and a device for heating and atomizing the smokable material. The device includes a chamber for receiving the consumable product and a heating unit for heating the consumable product received in the chamber. The inner peripheral length of the chamber is the same as the outer peripheral length of the consumable product before it is received in the chamber, and the inner peripheral shape of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber is different from the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the consumable product before it is received in the chamber. Here, "same" includes the case where they are substantially the same. "Substantially the same" means that the inner peripheral length of the chamber and the outer peripheral length of the consumable product received in the chamber are the same. This means that the difference in outer circumferential length from the previous consumable is, for example, within ±6% of the inner circumferential length of the chamber, preferably within ±4%, and more preferably within ±2%.

[0126] According to the second aspect, the consumable is in substantial contact with the heating surface (the inner surface of the chamber), allowing efficient heat transfer from the heating unit to the consumable. Specifically, the inner circumferential length of the chamber and the outer circumferential length of the consumable are substantially the same, and the inner circumferential shape of the chamber differs from the cross-sectional shape of the consumable received in the chamber. Therefore, a portion of the consumable is pressed against the inner surface of the chamber, and the outer circumferential shape of the consumable substantially matches the inner circumferential shape of the inner surface of the holding unit. Compared to when the inner circumferential length and shape of the chamber are identical to the outer circumferential length and cross-sectional shape of the consumable, this smoking system creates a portion of the consumable pressed by the chamber, thereby improving the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating unit to the consumable. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable is shorter than the inner circumferential length of the chamber, the unpressed portion of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable is also in substantial contact with the inner circumferential surface of the chamber (the non-pressed surface), thereby improving the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating unit to the consumable. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable is longer than the inner circumferential length of the chamber, the consumable can be inserted more smoothly into the chamber, and distortion of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable and the density of the interior of the consumable (e.g., cigarettes as an example of a smokable article) can be suppressed. As a result, uneven heating and variations in airflow resistance among individual consumables, which may occur due to distortion of the density inside the consumable, can be suppressed. It can also be said that the inner circumferential length of the chamber is preferably substantially the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable when pressed by the chamber, and the inner circumferential length of the chamber may be the inner circumferential length in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber. Furthermore, the "outer circumferential length of the consumable before being received in the chamber" may be the outer circumferential length of the portion of the outer circumferential length of the consumable before being received in the chamber that, when received in the chamber, corresponds to the inner circumferential length of the chamber being compared in the longitudinal direction of the chamber. Furthermore, the "peripheral length of the consumable when pressed by the chamber" may be the peripheral length of the consumable when pressed by the chamber at a position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber that corresponds to the inner peripheral length of the chamber being compared.

[0127] It should be noted that the second aspect can also be combined with or applied to features of other aspects as long as the functions and effects of the second aspect are not impaired. Furthermore, the chamber of the second aspect may have a holding portion in the other aspects.

[0128] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking system including a consumable product having smokable material and a device for heating and atomizing the smokable material. The device includes a chamber for receiving the consumable product. The chamber includes an opening for inserting the consumable product and a holding portion for holding the consumable product. The holding portion includes a pressing portion for pressing a portion of the consumable product. The device includes an induction coil for heating at least the pressing portion. The pressing portion includes a susceptor heated by the induction coil.

[0129] According to the third aspect, the consumable is pressed by the heating surface (the inner surface of the pressing part), and the pressing part that presses the consumable is heated by the induction coil, so that heat from the pressing part can be efficiently transferred to the consumable. The susceptor may be disposed on or coated on the outer or inner surface of the pressing part, or may be included in the wall of the chamber that constitutes the pressing part, or the wall of the chamber that constitutes the pressing part may be made of a susceptor.

[0130] The induction coil may be made of a single wire, or may be a spiral-shaped Litz wire from the viewpoint of effective heating. The single wire or Litz wire preferably contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, gold, and alloys thereof, such as stainless steel. The sheath material of the Litz wire may be, for example, polyimide or polyester.

[0131] The induction coil may be wound helically (a three-dimensional spiral) or spirally (a two-dimensional vortex). The shape of the induction coil may be cylindrical (a helical coil or The induction coil may be a curved spiral coil, or a flat coil. The induction coil may be adjacent to the chamber, may surround the chamber, or may protrude into the chamber, but by being arranged to surround the chamber, energy can be efficiently supplied to the pressing portion of the chamber. There may be one or more induction coils. As examples of a configuration surrounding the chamber, the induction coil may be configured in a helical shape to surround the chamber, or may be configured by curving a spiral coil to surround the chamber, or may have multiple planar coils surrounding the chamber, but by configuring it in a helical shape to surround the chamber, a simple configuration can be achieved and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0132] The frequency applied to the induction coil may be approximately 80 kHz to 500 kHz, preferably approximately 150 kHz to 250 kHz, and more preferably 190 kHz to 210 kHz. Alternatively, the frequency applied to the induction coil may be 1 MHz to 30 MHz, preferably 2 MHz to 10 MHz, and even more preferably 5 MHz to 7 MHz. These frequencies may be determined taking into account the properties of the susceptor, such as its material and shape.

[0133] The device may be arranged to operate in a varying electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of up to about 0.5 Tesla (T) or more and up to 2.0 Tesla (T).

[0134] As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat, and is intended to heat a "smokable article." The susceptor is positioned so that heat can be transferred to the "smokable article." When a susceptor is positioned within a varying electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced within the susceptor and magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor cause the susceptor to heat.

[0135] The susceptor is made of aluminum, iron, nickel, and their alloys (e.g., nichrome and stainless steel). It is preferable that the material be at least one selected from the group consisting of stainless steel. The current path through the septum and susceptor preferably includes an annular shape surrounding the space housing the consumables, thereby enabling eddy currents to be efficiently generated in the heat generating portion of the chamber.

[0136] The shape of the susceptor may be any shape, such as granular, rod-like, strip-like, annular, or cylindrical. If the susceptor has an annular electrical flow path, eddy currents can be generated efficiently. Multiple susceptors of the same shape may be arranged, or susceptors of different shapes may be arranged.

[0137] In addition, in the third aspect, the features of the other aspects can be combined or applied as long as the functions and effects of the third aspect are not impaired.

[0138] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for heating and atomizing smokable material. The device includes a chamber for receiving a consumable product and a heating portion for heating the consumable product received in the chamber. The chamber includes an opening for inserting the consumable product and a holding portion for holding the consumable product. The holding portion includes a pressing portion for pressing a portion of the consumable product and a non-pressing portion. The pressing portion and the non-pressing portion each have an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating portion is disposed on the outer surface of the pressing portion.

[0139] According to the fourth aspect, the consumable item is in substantial contact with the heating surface (the inner surface of the pressing part), so that heat from the heating part can be efficiently transferred to the consumable item.

[0140] Arranging the heating portion on the outer surface of the pressing portion as described above is merely one example of a configuration in which the consumable is in substantial contact with the heating surface of the chamber, thereby efficiently transferring heat to the consumable through the chamber. A fourth aspect provides a device for heating and atomizing smokable material, the device including a chamber for receiving a consumable and a heating portion for heating the consumable received in the chamber, the chamber including an opening through which the consumable is inserted and a holding portion for holding the consumable, the holding portion including a pressing portion for pressing a portion of the consumable and a non-pressing portion, the pressing portion and the non-pressing portion each having an inner surface and an outer surface, and the consumable may be heated via the pressing portion. The heating portion is not particularly limited, and may be a heating portion arranged on the outer surface of the pressing portion as described above, or the pressing portion may include a susceptor as described above, and the pressing portion may be heated by an electromagnetic field and / or magnetic field lines generated by an induction coil or the like.

[0141] The heating unit is preferably arranged without gaps on the outer surface of the pressing unit. Here, "without gaps" also means "substantially without gaps." This allows the consumable to be in substantial contact with the heating surface (the inner surface of the pressing unit), allowing heat from the heating unit to be transferred to the consumable more efficiently. The heating unit may include an adhesive layer. In this case, the heating unit including the adhesive layer is preferably arranged without gaps on the outer surface of the pressing unit.

[0142] It is preferable that the inner surface of the pressing portion has a pair of opposing flat pressing surfaces, and the inner surface of the non-pressing portion has a pair of opposing curved non-pressing surfaces connecting both ends of the pair of flat pressing surfaces, and it is more preferable that the thicknesses of the pressing portion and the non-pressing portion are uniform (including when they are substantially uniform) and identical (including when they are substantially identical). This simplifies the structure of the chamber and facilitates high-precision manufacturing, allows the pressing portion and the non-pressing portion to be positioned in a balanced manner, ensures uniform heating, and makes it easier to position the heating portion on the outer surface of the pressing portion with high positional precision and without gaps, thereby improving heating efficiency.

[0143] In addition, the features of the other aspects can be combined or applied to the fourth aspect as well, as long as the functions and effects of the fourth aspect are not impaired.

[0144] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable for use in any of the smoking systems described above, the consumable having a first portion, a portion of which is pressed by the pressing portion of the chamber, a mouthpiece, and a second portion located between the first portion and the mouthpiece.

[0145] In addition, the fifth aspect can also be combined or applied with features of other aspects as long as the action and effect of the fifth aspect are not impaired.

[0146] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for heating and atomizing smokable material provided in a consumable product. The device includes a chamber for receiving the consumable product. The chamber includes an opening for inserting the consumable product and a holding portion for holding the consumable product. The holding portion includes a pressing portion for pressing a portion of the consumable product. The device includes an induction coil for heating at least the pressing portion. The pressing portion includes a susceptor heated by the induction coil.

[0147] In addition, in the sixth aspect, the features of the other aspects can be combined or applied as long as the action and effect of the sixth aspect are not impaired.

[0148] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for heating and atomizing smokable material. The device includes a chamber for receiving a consumable product, a heating section for heating the consumable product received in the chamber, and a cylindrical sleeve surrounding the chamber. The chamber includes an opening through which the consumable product is inserted and a holding section for holding the consumable product. The holding section includes a pressing section for pressing a part of the consumable product and a non-pressing section. The pressing section and the non-pressing section each have an inner surface and an outer surface. When the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, the retaining portion has a gap between the inner surface of the non-pressing portion and the consumable, the gap communicating between the opening of the chamber and an end face of the consumable positioned at the desired position in the chamber, or between the opening of the chamber and an end face of the consumable positioned inside the chamber and positioned farther from the chamber opening. In a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber, when the shortest distance between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the pressing portion is L1 and the shortest distance between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the non-pressing portion of the chamber is L2, L1 is greater than L2.

[0149] According to the seventh aspect, the distance between the outer surface of the pressing portion, which presses a portion of the consumable, and the inner surface of the sleeve is longer than that of the non-pressing portion, thereby increasing the length of the air layer in this gap. As a result, when the consumable is heated in the pressing portion, the air layer between the pressing portion and the sleeve can improve the insulation efficiency. Preferably, the sleeve includes a heat insulating portion. In this case, the chamber can be surrounded by the heat insulating portion, thereby suppressing the heat from the heated consumable from being transferred to the outside of the device.

[0150] In addition, the seventh aspect may also be combined or applied with features of other aspects as long as the effects and advantages of the seventh aspect are not impaired.

[0151] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device. The device includes a chamber that receives a consumable product and a heating unit that heats the consumable product received in the chamber. The chamber includes an opening through which the consumable product is inserted and a holding unit that holds the consumable product. The holding unit includes a pressing unit that presses a portion of the consumable product and a non-pressing unit. The pressing unit and the non-pressing unit each have an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner circumferential length of the holding unit is the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable product before being pressed by the pressing unit or the outer circumferential length of the consumable product when pressed by the pressing unit.

[0152] When the inner circumferential length of the holding portion is substantially the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable, the pressing portion presses a portion of the consumable, causing the outer circumferential shape of the consumable to substantially match the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the holding portion. Compared to when the inner circumferential length and shape of the holding portion are the same as the outer circumferential length and shape of the consumable, this smoking system provides a portion of the consumable that is pressed by the pressing portion, thereby improving the efficiency of heat conduction from the heating portion to the consumable. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable is shorter than the inner circumferential length of the holding portion, the unpressed portion of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable is also in substantial contact with the inner circumferential surface (non-pressed surface) of the holding portion, thereby improving the efficiency of heat conduction from the heating portion to the consumable. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable is longer than the inner circumferential length of the holding portion, the consumable can be inserted more smoothly into the holding portion, and distortion of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable and the density of the interior of the consumable (e.g., cigarettes, as an example of a smokable article) can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress uneven heating and variations in airflow resistance between consumables, which can occur due to distortion in the density inside the consumables.

[0153] In addition, the eighth aspect may also be combined or applied with features of other aspects as long as the effects and advantages of the eighth aspect are not impaired.

[0154] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking system including a consumable product having smokable material and a device for heating and atomizing the smokable material. The device includes a chamber for receiving the consumable product and a heating portion for heating the consumable product received in the chamber. The chamber includes an opening through which the consumable product is inserted and a holding portion for holding the consumable product. The holding portion includes a pressing portion for pressing a portion of the consumable product and a non-pressing portion. The pressing portion and the non-pressing portion each have an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner peripheral length of the holding portion is the same as the outer peripheral length of the consumable product before being pressed by the pressing portion or the outer peripheral length of the consumable product after being pressed by the pressing portion.

[0155] When the inner peripheral length of the holding portion is substantially the same as the outer peripheral length of the consumable, the pressing portion presses a part of the consumable, so that the outer peripheral shape of the consumable substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the holding portion. This results in improved heat conduction efficiency from the heating unit to the consumable, compared to when the inner circumferential length and shape of the holding unit are identical to the outer circumferential length and shape of the consumable. This smoking system provides a portion of the consumable where the pressing unit presses the consumable. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable is shorter than the inner circumferential length of the holding unit, unpressed portions of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable are also in substantial contact with the inner circumferential surface (non-pressed surface) of the holding unit, improving heat conduction efficiency from the heating unit to the consumable. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable is longer than the inner circumferential length of the holding unit, the consumable can be inserted more smoothly into the holding unit, and distortion of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable and the interior of the consumable (e.g., cigarettes as an example of a smokable article) can be suppressed. As a result, uneven heating and variations in airflow resistance between consumables, which can occur due to distortion of the interior density of the consumable, can be suppressed.

[0156] In addition, the features of other aspects can be combined or applied to the ninth aspect as well, as long as the functions and effects of the ninth aspect are not impaired.

[0157] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking system including a consumable product having smokable material and a device for heating and atomizing the smokable material. The device includes a chamber for receiving the consumable product and a heating portion for heating the consumable product received in the chamber. The chamber includes an opening through which the consumable product is inserted and a holding portion for holding the consumable product. The holding portion includes a pressing portion for pressing a portion of the consumable product and a non-pressing portion. The pressing portion and the non-pressing portion each have an inner surface and an outer surface. The consumable product has a first portion having a first hardness and a second portion having a second hardness, the second portion being different from the first portion in the insertion direction of the consumable product. When the consumable product is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, at least a portion of the first portion is positioned to be pressed against the inner surface of the pressing portion, and at least a portion of the second portion is positioned to be pressed against the inner surface of the pressing portion.

[0158] According to the tenth aspect, when a smokable article is contained in the first location, efficient heating of the smokable article by the pressing portion and secure retention of the consumable item can be achieved simultaneously. Note that the tenth aspect can also be combined or applied with features of other aspects as long as the effects and advantages of the tenth aspect are not impaired.

[0159] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for heating and atomizing smokable material. The device includes a chamber for receiving a consumable product and a heating portion for heating the consumable product received in the chamber. The chamber includes a holding portion for holding the consumable product. The holding portion includes a pressing portion for pressing a portion of the consumable product. The pressing portion has an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating portion is disposed on the outer surface of the pressing portion. The outer surface of the pressing portion is flat.

[0160] According to the eleventh aspect, the consumable is substantially in close contact with the heating surface (the inner surface of the pressing part), so heat from the heating part can be efficiently transferred to the consumable. Furthermore, since the outer surface of the pressing part is flat, when a strip-shaped electrode is connected to the heating part arranged on the outer surface of the pressing part, the strip-shaped electrode can be prevented from bending, making it easier to route the electrode within the device. Furthermore, compared to when the outer surface of the pressing part is curved or uneven, the heating part can be positioned with greater precision, and the heating part can be easily arranged on the outer surface of the pressing part without any gaps.

[0161] In addition, the features of other aspects can be combined or applied to the eleventh aspect as well, as long as the functions and effects of the eleventh aspect are not impaired.

[0162] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoking system including a consumable product having smokable material and a device for heating and atomizing the smokable material. The device includes a chamber for receiving the consumable material and a heating portion for heating the consumable material received in the chamber. The chamber includes an opening through which the consumable material is inserted and a holding portion for holding the consumable material. The holding portion is configured to hold the consumable material. The consumable product includes a pressing portion that presses a portion of the smokable article. The pressing portion has an outer surface and a flat inner surface. The consumable product includes a smokable article and a filter segment. The filter segment includes a mouthpiece filter and a centerhole segment. The centerhole segment is located closer to the smokable article than the mouthpiece filter.

[0163] When a portion of the consumable is pressed by the pressing portion, the filter segment may be deformed. If the filter segment is composed only of a mouthpiece filter, deformation of the mouthpiece filter may increase the density of the mouthpiece filter, potentially increasing the airflow resistance of the filter segment. Furthermore, if the mouthpiece filter contains a capsule, the capsule may be unintentionally destroyed. According to the twelfth aspect, for example, even if a smokable item is pressed by the pressing portion, the center hole segment, which is relatively closer to the smokable item, is more susceptible to the pressure from the pressing portion than the mouthpiece filter. Here, because the center hole segment has a center hole, even if the center hole segment deforms, the presence of the center hole can prevent changes in airflow resistance. Furthermore, the center hole segment can prevent the impact on the mouthpiece filter caused by pressure from a portion of the consumable being pressed, thereby preventing deformation of the mouthpiece filter due to pressure from the pressing portion.

[0164] The holding portion may have two pressing portions facing each other, and the inner surfaces of the two pressing portions may be parallel to each other. In this case, the consumable is pressed by the two parallel pressing portions facing each other, so that the consumable can be heated evenly from both sides of the consumable and aerosol can be generated efficiently. The pressing portions may be configured to press at least the smokable article of the consumable. The pressing portions may be configured to press only the smokable article of the consumable. When the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, the center hole segment may be deformed. The holding portion may have a non-pressing portion with an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0165] In addition, the features of other aspects can be combined or applied to the twelfth aspect as well, as long as the functions and effects of the twelfth aspect are not impaired. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0166] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a smoking system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the chamber. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the arrows 4-4 in FIG. 3. [Figure 5A] 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5A-5A shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 5B] 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5B-5B in FIG. 4. [Figure 5C] 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 5C-5C in FIG. [Figure 6A] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a chamber including a non-pressure portion with a consumable product positioned at a desired position in the chamber. FIG. [Figure 6B] 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a chamber including a pressing portion with a consumable product positioned at a desired position in the chamber. FIG. [Figure 7A] 7A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 7A-7A shown in FIG. 6B. [Figure 7B] 7B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 7B-7B in FIG. 6B. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressing portion of the chamber. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressing portion of the chamber. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressing portion of the chamber. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the pressing portion of the chamber. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a consumable item. [Figure 13] 1 shows a cross section of the consumable before and under load. [Figure 14]A schematic cross-sectional view of a chamber provided in a device of a smoking system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15A] 18A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the arrows 18A-18A in FIG. 14. [Figure 15B] 18B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the arrows 18B-18B in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] A schematic cross-sectional view of a heater assembly provided in a device of a smoking system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] 17 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the arrows 20-20 in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a smoking system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 19A] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a chamber including a non-pressing portion in a state where a consumable item is positioned at a desired position in the chamber in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 19B] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a chamber including a pressing portion in a state where a consumable item is positioned at a desired position in the chamber in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20A] 23A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 23A-23A shown in FIG. 19B. [Figure 20B] 23B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along arrows 23B-23B shown in FIG. 19B. [Figure 21] A schematic cross-sectional view of a chamber and sleeve provided in a device of a smoking system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the chamber and sleeve taken along the arrows 22-22 shown in FIG. 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0167] First Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a smoking system 100 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the smoking system 100 includes a consumable product 110 having smokable material and a device 120 that heats and atomizes the smokable material. The first embodiment illustrates a case in which a puffing action is performed while the user holds the consumable product 110 in their mouth. Air inhaled by the user is guided into the user's mouth in the order of, for example, airflow 100A, airflow 100C, and airflow 100B.

[0168] The consumable product 110 is a substrate containing a smokable substance such as tobacco that can produce a smokable flavor, and has, for example, a columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The consumable product 110 may be, for example, a tobacco stick.

[0169] The device 120 includes a battery 10, a control circuit 20, and a heater assembly 30. The battery 10 stores power used by the device 120. For example, the battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0170] The control circuit 20 is configured with a CPU, memory, etc., and controls the operation of the device 120. For example, the control circuit 20 starts heating the consumable item 110 in response to a user's operation on an input device such as a push button or slide switch (not shown), and stops heating the consumable item 110 after a certain period of time has elapsed. If the number of puffing actions by the user exceeds a certain value, the control circuit 20 may stop heating the consumable item 110 even before the certain period of time has elapsed since heating of the consumable item 110 began. For example, the puffing action is detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0171] Alternatively, the control circuit 20 may start heating the consumable item 110 in response to the start of a puffing action, and stop heating the consumable item 110 in response to the end of the puffing action. The control circuit 20 may stop heating the consumable item 110 even before the end of the puffing action, if a certain time has elapsed since the start of the puffing action. In the embodiment, the control circuit 20 is disposed between the battery 10 and the heater assembly 30, and suppresses heat transfer from the heater assembly 30 to the battery 10.

[0172] The heater assembly 30 is an assembly that heats the consumable item 110. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the heater assembly 30 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the heater assembly 30 has a top cap 32, a heating section 40, and a chamber 50. The chamber 50 is configured to receive the consumable item 110. The heating section 40 is configured to heat the consumable item 110 received in the chamber 50. The top cap 32 functions as a guide when the consumable item 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, and may also be configured to fix the chamber 50 to the device 120.

[0173] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the chamber 50. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 4-4 in FIG. 3. FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 5A-5A in FIG. 4. FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 5B-5B in FIG. 4. FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 5C-5C in FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical member with a bottom including an opening 52 through which the consumable 110 is inserted and a holder 60 for holding the consumable 110. The chamber 50 may also be a cylindrical member without a bottom. The chamber 50 is preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel. This allows for effective heating of the consumable 110 from the chamber 50.

[0174] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5C, the holding portion 60 includes a pressing portion 62 that presses a portion of the consumable 110, and a non-pressing portion 66. The pressing portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The non-pressing portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in FIG. 2, the heating portion 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. The heating portion 40 is preferably disposed without gaps on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. The heating portion 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, the heating portion 40 including the adhesive layer is preferably disposed without gaps on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62.

[0175] The opening 52 of the chamber 50 is preferably capable of receiving the consumable item 110 without applying pressure. The shape of the opening 52 of the chamber 50 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50, in other words, the direction in which the consumable item 110 is inserted into the chamber 50 or the direction in which the entire side of the chamber 50 extends, may be polygonal or elliptical, but is preferably circular.

[0176] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5C, the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 is flat, when a strip-shaped electrode 48 is connected to a heating portion 40 arranged on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 as shown in FIG. 2, bending of the strip-shaped electrode 48 can be suppressed. As a result, the electrode 48 can be easily routed within the device 120. Furthermore, compared to when the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 is a curved or uneven surface, the heating portion 40 can be positioned with high precision, and the heating portion 40 can be easily arranged on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 without any gaps. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5C, the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 is flat. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5C, the pressing portion 62 has a uniform thickness.

[0177] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5C, in the first embodiment, the chamber 50 has two or more pressing portions 62 arranged in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50. As shown in Figures 4 and 5C, the two pressing portions 62 of the holding portion 60 face each other. It is preferable that at least a portion of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two pressing portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the consumable 110 inserted into the chamber 50 that is located between the pressing portions 62. As shown in the figures, the inner surfaces 62a of the pressing portions 62 are flat.

[0178] 5C, the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 has a pair of flat pressing surfaces facing each other, and the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 has a pair of curved non-pressing surfaces facing each other, connecting both ends of the pair of flat pressing surfaces. The holding portion 60 may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As shown in Fig. 5C, the holding portion 60 is made of a metal tubular body having a uniform thickness.

[0179] Fig. 6A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 including the non-pressing portion 66, with the consumable 110 positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50. Fig. 6B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 including the pressing portion 62, with the consumable 110 positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50. Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 7A-7A shown in Fig. 6B. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 7B-7B shown in Fig. 6B. Note that Fig. 7B shows a cross-section of the consumable 110 before it is pressed, so that it is easy to see that the consumable 110 is pressed by the pressing portion 62.

[0180] The gap 67 between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the consumable 110 shown in FIG. 7B is substantially maintained even when the consumable 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50 and is pressed and deformed by the pressing portion 62. This gap 67 may communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and an end face (the lower end face in FIGS. 6A and 6B ) of the consumable 110 positioned within the chamber 50. It can also be said that this gap 67 communicates with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and an end face (the lower end face in FIGS. 6A and 6B ) of the consumable 110 positioned within the chamber 50 and away from the opening 52 of the chamber 50. This eliminates the need to provide a separate flow path in the smoking system 100 for introducing air to be supplied to the consumable 110, thereby simplifying the structure of the smoking system 100. Furthermore, because the portion of the non-pressing portion 66 that forms part of the gap 67 is exposed, cleaning of the flow path is easy. From the viewpoint of air resistance, etc., the height of the gap 67 between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressure portion 66 and the consumable 110 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less, and most preferably 0.3 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0181] 3 to 6, the chamber 50 has a bottom 56. The bottom 56 supports a portion of the consumable 110 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a portion of the end face of the consumable 110 is exposed, as shown in FIG. 6B. The bottom 56 may also support a portion of the consumable 110 so that the exposed end face of the consumable 110 communicates with the void 67.

[0182] 4, 6A, and 6B, the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 has a bottom wall 56a and may also have a side wall 56b. The width of the bottom 56 defined by the side wall 56b may decrease toward the bottom wall 56a. As shown in FIGS. 5C and 7B, the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 of the holding portion 60 is curved in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50.

[0183] The shape of the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 is preferably the same as the shape of the opening 52 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 at any position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. In other words, the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 is preferably formed by extending the inner surface of the chamber 50 that forms the opening 52 in the longitudinal direction.

[0184] 2 to 4, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-retaining portion 54 between the opening 52 and the retaining portion 60. When the consumable item 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-retaining portion 54 and the consumable item 110.

[0185] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 60 has the same shape and size (the outer peripheral length of the holding portion 60 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 60) along the entire longitudinal length of the holding portion 60.

[0186] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 5B, and 6B, it is preferable that the chamber 50 has a first guide portion 58 equipped with a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the chamber 50 forming the opening 52 and the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 40 has a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing unit 66 may be connected to each other at an angle, and a boundary 71 may be formed between the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing unit 66. The heating track preferably extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the boundary 71 (the longitudinal direction of the chamber), and preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the boundary 71.

[0188] As shown in FIG. 2 , the heating unit 40 preferably includes, in addition to the heating element 42, an electrical insulating member 44 covering at least one surface of the heating element 42. In this embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is arranged so as to cover both surfaces of the heating element. The electrical insulating member 44 is also preferably arranged within the outer surface of the holding unit 60. In other words, the electrical insulating member 44 is preferably arranged so as not to protrude from the outer surface of the holding unit 60 on the first guide portion 58 side in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. As described above, since the first guide portion 58 is provided between the opening 52 and the pressing portion 62, the shape of the outer surface of the chamber 50 and the circumferential length of the chamber 50 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber may change in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. Therefore, by arranging the electrical insulating member 44 on the outer surface of the holding unit 60, sagging can be suppressed.

[0189] Preferably, the device 120 further includes a sheet that covers the chamber 50 and the heating unit 40 and secures the heating unit 40 to the outer surface of the chamber 50. This allows the heating unit 40 to be tightly and securely attached to the outer surface of the chamber 50, further improving heating efficiency and stabilizing the structure around the chamber 50. The sheet is also preferably disposed on the outer surface of the holding unit 60. In other words, the sheet is preferably disposed on the first guide unit 58 side of the chamber 50 in the longitudinal direction so as not to protrude from the outer surface of the holding unit 60. As described above, since the first guide unit 58 is provided between the opening 52 and the holding unit 60, the shape of the outer surface of the chamber 50 in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 and the circumferential length of the chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber may change. Therefore, by disposing the sheet on the outer surface of the holding unit 60, sagging can be suppressed.

[0190] It is preferable that the heating unit 40 is not disposed on the outer surface of the chamber 50 between the opening 52 and the first guide unit 58, i.e., on at least one selected from the outer surface of the non-holding unit 54, the outer surface of the first guide unit 58, and the outer surface of the non-pressing unit 66. It is preferable that the heating unit 40 is disposed over the entire outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62.

[0191] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the device 120 has a strip-shaped electrode 48 extending from the heating portion 40. When the heating portion 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62, the strip-shaped electrode 48 preferably extends from the flat outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 to the outside of the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. As shown in FIG. 2, the strip-shaped electrode 48 extends from each outer surface 62b of the two pressing portions 62. However, this is not limiting, and the strip-shaped electrode 48 may extend from only the outer surface 62b of one of the two pressing portions 62. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the strip-shaped electrode 48 extends on the side opposite the opening 52 of the chamber. The strip-shaped electrode 48 may have a structure in which a layer of conductive tracks is disposed between two layers of electrically insulating material.

[0192] 2, 6A, and 6B, the heating unit 40 has a first portion 40a located on the opposite side to the opening 52 and a second portion 40b located on the opening 52 side. Preferably, the heater power density of second portion 40b is higher than the heater power density of first portion 40a. Alternatively, the temperature rise rate of second portion 40b is preferably higher than the temperature rise rate of first portion 40a. Alternatively, the heating temperature of second portion 40b is preferably higher than the heating temperature of first portion 40a at any given time. Preferably, second portion 40b covers an outer surface of holding portion 60 that corresponds to at least half of the smokable articles contained in consumable 110 in the longitudinal direction when consumable 110 is positioned at a desired position in chamber 50.

[0193] In the embodiment described above, the chamber 50 has a pair of pressing portions 62 facing each other, but the shape of the chamber is not limited thereto. FIGS. 8 to 11 are schematic cross-sectional views showing other examples of the pressing portion 62 of the chamber 50. In FIGS. 8 to 11, the cross-section of the consumable 110 before being pressed is shown by dashed lines to clearly show how the consumable 110 is pressed by the pressing portion 62. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the chamber 50 has three pressing portions 62 each having a flat inner surface 62a and one non-pressing portion 66 (inner surface 66a). Of the three pressing portions 62, a pair of pressing portions 62 (inner surfaces 62a) faces each other. The remaining pressing portions 62 and non-pressing portions 66 are provided between the pair of pressing portions 62 and face each other. As shown in FIG. 8, the distance between the pair of pressing portions 62 each having the flat inner surface 62a is smaller than the diameter of the consumable 110 having a circular cross-section to be inserted. As a result, when the consumable item 110 is placed in the chamber 50, it is pressed by the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62.

[0194] In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the chamber 50 has three pressing portions 62 (inner surfaces 62 a) and three non-pressing portions 66 (inner surfaces 66 a) provided between the three pressing portions 62. The inner surfaces 62 a of the pressing portions 62 are flat, and the inner surfaces 66 a of the non-pressing portions 66 are curved. Each pressing portion 62 faces its corresponding non-pressing portion 66. In the cross section shown in FIG. 9 , i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber, the distance between point P1, where a line extending perpendicularly from the center C1 of the inner surface 62 a of each pressing portion 62 intersects with the center C1 of each of the inner surfaces 62 a of the pressing portions 62, is smaller than the radius of the consumable 110 having a circular cross section to be inserted. This allows the consumable 110 to be pressed by the pressing portions 62 when placed in the chamber 50.

[0195] 10, the chamber 50 has one pressing portion 62 (inner surface 62a) and one non-pressing portion 66 (inner surface 66a). The inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 is flat, and the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 is curved. The pressing portion 62 and the non-pressing portion 66 form a cylindrical holding portion 60.

[0196] In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the chamber 50 has four pressing portions 62 (inner surfaces 62 a) and four non-pressing portions 66 (inner surfaces 66 a). The inner surfaces 62 a of the pressing portions 62 are flat, and the inner surfaces 66 a of the non-pressing portions 66 are bent so as to connect the inner surfaces 62 a of adjacent pressing portions 62. Two of the pressing portions 62 (inner surfaces 62 a) face each other, and the remaining two pressing portions 62 (inner surfaces 62 a) face each other. At least one of the distance between a pair of opposing pressing portions 62 (inner surfaces 62 a) and the distance between another pair of opposing pressing portions 62 (inner surfaces 62 a) is smaller than the diameter of the consumable 110. As a result, when the consumable 110 is placed in the chamber 50, it is pressed by the pressing portions 62.

[0197] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, there may be only one pressing portion 62, or three or more pressing portions 62 may be present in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50. Furthermore, each pressing portion 62 may be disposed so as to face each pressing portion 62, or each non-pressing portion 66. Furthermore, as in the examples shown in Figures 8 and 10, when the pressure that the consumable 110 receives from the pressing portion 62 is biased in a certain direction on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber (in Figure 8, the consumable 110 receives pressure from the bottom to the top of the drawing, and in Figure 10, the consumable 110 receives pressure from the top to the bottom of the drawing), a support is provided between the consumable 110 and the device 120 to prevent the consumable 110 from moving and coming into contact with the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66. may be provided. The support may be provided at a location on the consumable 110 that corresponds to a smokable article or at a location that does not. Note that although Figs. 8 to 11 show the consumable 110 in a state before being pressed, if a gap 67 is formed between the non-pressing portion 66 and the consumable 110, even if the consumable 110 is pressed and deformed by the pressing portion 62, the gap 67 is substantially maintained between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the consumable 110. On the other hand, as in a fourth embodiment described below, the consumable 110 may be pressed and deformed by the pressing portion 62, and the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the consumable 110 may come into contact.

[0198] Next, the consumable 110 used in the smoking system 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the consumable 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the consumable 110 is a rod-shaped non-combustible heat-not-burn tobacco product including a smokable article 111, a mouthpiece portion 118, and a second cigarette paper 113 such as tipping paper wrapped around the smokable article 111 and the mouthpiece portion 118. The mouthpiece portion 118 has a cooling segment 114 and a filter segment 119. The filter segment 119 has a center hole segment 116 (hollow filter portion) and a mouthpiece filter 115 (filter portion). The cooling segment 114 may be sandwiched adjacent to the smokable article 111 and the filter segment 119 in the axial direction (also referred to as the "long axis direction") of the consumable 110. The cooling segment 114 may also have an opening V concentrically formed in the circumferential direction of the cooling segment 114. The opening V provided in the cooling segment 114 of the consumable item 110 is typically a hole for promoting the inflow of air from the outside when the user inhales, and this inflow of air can lower the temperature of the components and air flowing in from the smokable article 111. The smokable article 111 is configured by wrapping a tobacco filler 111a in a first cigarette paper 112. The cooling segment 114, the center hole segment 116, and the mouth filter 115 are wrapped in a second cigarette paper 113 that is different from the first cigarette paper 112. The second cigarette paper 113 also wraps a portion of the first cigarette paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111. This connects the cooling segment 114, the center hole segment 116, and the mouth filter 115 to the smokable article 111. However, the second wrapping paper 113 may be omitted, and the cooling segment 114, the center hole segment 116, and the mouthpiece filter 115 may be connected to the smokable article 111 using the first wrapping paper 112. A lip release agent 117 is applied to the outer surface of the second wrapping paper 113 near the end on the mouthpiece filter 115 side, to prevent the second wrapping paper 113 from sticking to the user's lips. The portion of the consumable 110 where the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as the mouthpiece of the consumable 110. The consumable 110 may have a wrapping paper around which only the filter segment 119 is wrapped.

[0199] In this embodiment, the portion corresponding to the filler 111a and the first cigarette paper 112 (smokable article 111) is referred to as the first portion S1. Furthermore, at least a part of the portion corresponding to the cooling segment 114 is referred to as the second portion S2. More specifically, the portion of the cooling segment 114 wrapped in the second cigarette paper 113 to which the lip release agent 117 is not applied is referred to as the second portion S2.

[0200] The first location S1 has smokable articles 111, such as cigarettes. Furthermore, the first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the smokable articles 111 at the first location S1 may be a breathable sheet material. A lid that prevents the smokable articles 111 from falling may be provided at the end of the first location S1. This lid may be attached to the first wrapping paper 112, for example, with glue. Furthermore, the lid may be fixed to the first wrapping paper 112 by frictional force. The lid may be, for example, a paper filter or an acetate filter. The cooling segment 114 provided at the second location S2 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter.

[0201] In the illustrated example, the consumable item 110 includes a smokable article 111, a cooling segment 114, a center hole segment 116, and a mouthpiece filter 115, but the configuration of the consumable item 110 is not limited to this. For example, the center hole segment 116 may be omitted and only the cooling segment 114 may be included. The nozzle 114 and the mouthpiece filter 115 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

[0202] As shown, a first portion S1 of the consumable 110 is disposed closer to an end of the consumable 110 in the longitudinal direction than a second portion S2. The first portion S1 has a first hardness, and the second portion S2 has a second hardness. The first hardness is preferably 65% ​​or more and 90% or less, more preferably 70% or more and 85% or less, and most preferably 73% or more and 82% or less.

[0203] When the consumable item 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, the consumable item 110 is positioned so that at least a portion of the second portion S2 is pressed against the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62. The second hardness is preferably 90% or more and 99% or less, more preferably 90% or more and 98% or less, and most preferably 92% or more and 96% or less. This facilitates insertion and ensures that the consumable item 110 is firmly held in the holding portion 60.

[0204] The second hardness is preferably higher than the first hardness. This allows for easy insertion of the consumable 110 into the holding portion 60 and secure retention of the consumable 110 at the same time. Furthermore, when the consumable 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, the state changes from one in which only the first point S1 is pressed against the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 to one in which the second point S2 is also pressed against the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62. This allows the user to feel a change in resistance during insertion of the consumable 110. As a result, the user can know how far the consumable 110 has been inserted into the chamber 50 during insertion, which provides a clue as to how far the consumable 110 needs to be inserted until it reaches the desired insertion position, making it easier to position the consumable 110 at the desired position. This change in resistance can be felt more clearly when the first point S1 and the second point S2 are adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 12 .

[0205] As noted above, the term "stiffness" as used throughout this specification means resistance to deformation. Stiffness is commonly expressed as a ratio. FIG. 13 shows a cross section of the consumable 110 before and with a load F applied. As shown, the diameter of the consumable before the load is applied is D. s The diameter of the consumable 110 in the load direction when a predetermined load is applied is defined as D d The deformation d of the consumable when a specified load is applied is D s -D d Here, hardness (%) is expressed as Dd / Ds×100(%).

[0206] It is preferable that the length in the longitudinal direction of the first point S1 of the consumable 110 is equal to or less than the length in the longitudinal direction of the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62, and that when the consumable 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, the first point S1 of the consumable 110 does not protrude from the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. It is also preferable that when the consumable 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, the entire outer peripheral surface of the smokable article of the consumable 110 is covered by the holding portion 60.

[0207] When the consumable 110 is positioned at the desired position within the chamber 50, the distance by which the second portion S2 of the consumable 110 is inserted into the holding portion 60 is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 10.0 mm or less, more preferably 2.0 mm or more and 8.0 mm or less, and most preferably 4.0 mm or more and 6.0 mm or less.

[0208] The length from the bottom wall 56a of the chamber 50 to the end of the pressing part 62 on the opening 52 side is longer than the length of the first part S1 of the consumable 110 in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as the length of the first part), and is preferably shorter than 1.5 times the length of the first part S1, and more preferably shorter than 1.35 times. Furthermore, when the consumable 110 is inserted into the chamber 50, at least a part of the first part S1 of the consumable 110 is located closer to the opening 52 than the longitudinal center of the holding part 60. In other words, it is preferable that the end of first point S1 on the second point S2 side is located closer to opening 52 than the longitudinal center of holding portion 60. This allows second point S2 to be inserted into holding portion 60 before first point S1 of consumable 110 abuts against bottom wall 56a of chamber 50, making it possible to feel a change in resistance, and the insertion position where this change is felt can be relatively close to the desired insertion position of consumable 110, making it easier to position consumable 110 in the desired position, which can improve the user's usability.

[0209] The rod-shaped consumable 110 preferably has a columnar shape that satisfies the requirement that the aspect ratio defined below be 1 or greater. Aspect ratio = h / w w is the width of the base of the columnar body (in this specification, this is the width of the base on the smokable article 111 side), and h is the height, and it is preferable that h≧w. In this specification, the long axis direction is defined as the direction indicated by h. Therefore, even if w≧h, the direction indicated by h will be referred to as the long axis direction for convenience. The shape of the base is not limited and may be a polygon, rounded polygon, circle, ellipse, etc., and the width w is the diameter if the base is circular, the major axis if it is elliptical, or the diameter of the circumscribing circle or the major axis of the circumscribing ellipse if it is polygonal or rounded polygonal.

[0210] The length h of the consumable 110 in the long axis direction is not particularly limited, and is, for example, typically 40 mm or more, preferably 45 mm or more, and more preferably 50 mm or more. Furthermore, the length h of the consumable 110 in the long axis direction is typically 100 mm or less, preferably 90 mm or less, and more preferably 80 mm or less. The width w of the base of the columnar body of the consumable 110 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, typically 5 mm or more, and preferably 5.5 mm or more. Furthermore, the width w of the base of the columnar body of the consumable 110 is typically 10 mm or less, preferably 9 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm or less.

[0211] The ratio of the lengths of the cooling segment 114 and the filter segment 119 (cooling segment 114:filter segment 119) to the longitudinal length of the consumable product 110 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the amount of flavor delivered and an appropriate aerosol temperature, it is usually 0.60-1.40:0.60-1.40, preferably 0.80-1.20:0.80-1.20, more preferably 0.85-1.15:0.85-1.15, even more preferably 0.90-1.10:0.90-1.10, and particularly preferably 0.95-1.05:0.95-1.05. By setting the ratio of the lengths of the cooling segment 114 and the filter segment 119 within the above range, a balance is achieved between the cooling effect, the effect of suppressing loss of generated vapor and aerosol due to adhesion to the inner wall of the cooling segment 114, and the filter's air volume and flavor adjustment function, thereby achieving a good flavor and flavor intensity. In particular, if the cooling segment 114 is made longer, the aerosol or the like is made more granular, and a good flavor can be achieved, but if it is too long, the substances passing through will adhere to the inner wall.

[0212] Second Embodiment Next, a smoking system 100 according to a second embodiment will be described. The smoking system 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the smoking system 100 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the chamber 50. Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 provided in the device 120 of the smoking system 100 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 18A-18A in Fig. 14. Fig. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 18B-18B in Fig. 14. Specifically, the chamber 50 according to the second embodiment differs from the chamber 50 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a first holding section 70 and a second holding section 76.

[0213] The first holding portion 70 is configured to hold the consumable item 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The second holding portion 76 is located farther from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 than the first holding portion 70, and is configured to hold the consumable item 110 inserted into the chamber 50. The first holding portion 70 includes a first pressing portion 72 that presses a portion of the consumable item 110, and a first non-pressing portion 73. The first pressing portion 72 has an inner surface 72a and an outer surface 72b. The first non-pressing portion 73 has an inner surface 73a and an outer surface 73b. The second holding portion 76 includes a second pressing portion 77 that presses a portion of the consumable item 110, and a second non-pressing portion 78. The second pressing portion 77 has an inner surface 77a and an outer surface 77b. The second non-pressing portion 78 has an inner surface 78a and an outer surface 78b.

[0214] When the consumable item 110 is held by the first holding portion 70 and the second holding portion 76, the second holding portion 76 is configured to compress the consumable item 110 more than the first holding portion 70. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B , the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the second holding portion 76 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the first holding portion 70 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. When the inner surface 72a of the first pressing portion 72 presses the consumable item 110, the consumable item 110 is brought into substantial contact with the heating surface (the inner surface 72a of the first pressing portion 72) in the first holding portion 70, thereby allowing heat from the heating portion 40 to be efficiently transferred to the consumable item 110. At the same time, the pressure of the second holding portion 76 can adjust the airflow resistance during smoking. The heating portion 40 does not need to be disposed on the outer surface 77b of the second pressing portion 77. In particular, when the portion of the consumable 110 pressed by the second holding portion 76 is the lid described above, by not placing the heating portion 40 in the second holding portion 76, heating that does not efficiently contribute to heating the smokable material can be suppressed.

[0215] 14, the chamber 50 has a second guide portion 79 with a tapered surface 79a that connects the inner surface 72a of the first pressing portion 72 and the inner surface 77a of the second pressing portion 77. The second guide portion 79 allows the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the chamber 50 to change continuously from the first pressing portion 72 toward the second pressing portion 77, allowing the consumable item 110 to be smoothly inserted into the second holding portion 76.

[0216] As shown in FIG. 15A, the inner surfaces 72a of the first pressing portions 72 of the first holding portion 70 face each other. That is, the inner surfaces 72a of the first pressing portions 72 constitute a pair of opposing first pressing surfaces. As shown in FIG. 15B, the inner surfaces 77a of the second pressing portions 77 of the second holding portion 76 face each other. That is, the inner surfaces 77a of the second pressing portions 77 constitute a pair of opposing second pressing surfaces. The shortest distance between the second pressing surfaces is preferably smaller than the shortest distance between the first pressing surfaces. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface are flat. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50, the pressing surface of the second holding portion 76 faces the same direction as the pressing surface of the first holding portion 70.

[0217] 14, the second retaining portion 76 is disposed at the end of the chamber 50. As a result, when the smokable material at the end of the consumable product 110 is pressed, the smokable material at the end of the consumable product 110 is compressed by the pressure of the second retaining portion 76, which can reduce the possibility of the smokable material falling into the chamber 50 when the consumable product 110 is removed from the chamber 50 after smoking.

[0218] The inner surface 72a and outer surface 72b of the first pressing portion 72 and the inner surface 77a and outer surface 77b of the second pressing portion 77 may have similar characteristics to the inner surface 62a and outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 of the first embodiment. Also, the inner surface 73a and outer surface 73b of the first non-pressing portion 73 and the inner surface 78a and outer surface 78b of the second non-pressing portion 78 may have similar characteristics to the inner surface 66a and outer surface 66b of the non-pressing portion 66 of the first embodiment.

[0219] Third Embodiment Next, a smoking system 100 according to a third embodiment will be described. The smoking system 100 according to the third embodiment has a chamber 50 and a heating element 51, which are different from the smoking system 100 according to the first embodiment. 2. The structure of the portion 40 is different. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 30 provided in the device 120 of the smoking system 100 according to the third embodiment. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 20-20 in Figure 16. The top cap 32 shown in Figure 2 is omitted in Figure 16.

[0220] 15 and 16, the shape of the chamber 50 is substantially the same as the shape of the chamber 50 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, the heater assembly 30 of the third embodiment includes an induction coil 46 that heats the chamber 50 instead of the heating unit 40. As shown in FIG. 15, the induction coil 46 may be disposed so as to surround the pressing unit 62 of the chamber 50. This allows energy to be efficiently supplied to the heat-generating portion of the chamber 50. Note that the induction coil 46 may be cylindrical.

[0221] The pressing portion 62 of the chamber 50 includes a susceptor 63 heated by the induction coil 46. The susceptor 63 may be disposed on an outer surface 62b or an inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62, or may be included in the wall of the chamber 50 that constitutes the pressing portion 62, or the wall of the chamber 50 that constitutes the pressing portion 62 may be made of a susceptor. The susceptor 63 preferably contains at least one material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, iron, nickel, and alloys thereof (e.g., nichrome and stainless steel).

[0222] In the third embodiment, the non-pressure portion 66 of the chamber 50 also includes the susceptor 63. As a result, as shown in Fig. 17, the susceptor 63 and the path of the current flowing through the susceptor 63 are formed in a ring shape surrounding the space that houses the consumable 110 (the internal space of the chamber 50).

[0223] As described above, in the third embodiment, at least the pressing portion 62 includes the susceptor 63, and the susceptor 63 is heated by the induction coil .

[0224] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a smoking system 100 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The smoking system 100 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the smoking system 100 according to the first embodiment in the structure of the air flow path and the chamber 50 of the smoking system 100. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the smoking system 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 18 , in the smoking system 100 of the fourth embodiment, there is substantially no gap for air to be drawn in from between the heater assembly 30 and the consumable 110. As shown in FIG. 18 , in the smoking system 100, an air intake opening 30a is formed in the bottom of the heater assembly 30, and an air passage 15 for drawing air into this opening 30a is formed. In the illustrated example, the air passage 15 extends to communicate between the opening 30a and the bottom of the smoking system 100 (the side opposite the opening 52 of the chamber 50 of the heater assembly 30 into which the consumable 110 is inserted). The air passage 15 may have any shape that connects the opening 30a to the outside of the smoking system 100. As a result, air inhaled by the user is guided from the bottom of the smoking system 100 through the end of the consumable 110 and into the user's mouth, as indicated by air flow 100D.

[0226] 19A is a vertical cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 including the non-pressing portion 66 in a state where the consumable 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50 in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 including the pressing portion 62 in a state where the consumable 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50 in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 23A-23A shown in FIG. 19B. FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 23B-23B shown in FIG. 19B. Note that FIG. 20B shows the state before the consumable 110 is pressed, so that it is easy to see that the consumable 110 is pressed by the pressing portion 62. A cross section of the consumable 110 is shown.

[0227] 19B, when the consumable item 110 is positioned at a desired position in the chamber 50, the holding portion 60 has substantially no gap between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the consumable item 110. Also, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, an opening 30a is formed in the bottom wall 56a of the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 to allow air to flow into the chamber 50.

[0228] The non-pressing portion 66 preferably comes into contact with the consumable 110 in a non-pressing state when the consumable 110 is placed in the chamber 50. Here, the non-pressing state includes a substantially non-pressing state.

[0229] In the fourth embodiment, the inner circumferential length of the holding portion 60 is the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable item 110 before it is pressed by the pressing portion 62. Note that "the same" here includes the case where they are substantially the same.

[0230] As described above, the holding unit 60 has a pressing unit 62 and a non-pressing unit 66. When the inner circumferential length of the holding unit 60 is substantially the same as the outer circumferential length of the consumable 110, the pressing unit 62 presses a portion of the consumable 110, causing the outer circumferential shape of the consumable 110 to substantially match the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the holding unit 60. Compared to when the inner circumferential length and shape of the holding unit 60 are the same as the outer circumferential length and shape of the consumable 110, in the smoking system 100, a portion of the consumable 110 is pressed by the pressing unit 62, thereby improving the efficiency of heat conduction from the heating unit 40 to the consumable 110. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable 110 is shorter than the inner circumferential length of the holding unit 60, the unpressed portion of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable 110 also substantially comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the holding unit 60 (the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing unit 66), thereby improving the efficiency of heat conduction from the heating unit 40 to the consumable 110. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable 110 is longer than the inner circumferential length of the holding portion 60, the consumable 110 can be inserted more smoothly into the holding portion 60, and distortion of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable 110 and the density inside the consumable 110 (for example, cigarettes) can be suppressed. As a result, uneven heating and variations in airflow resistance between consumables 110, which may occur due to distortion of the density inside the consumable 110, can be suppressed.

[0231] It can also be said that the inner peripheral length of the holding portion 60 is preferably substantially the same as the outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 in a state pressed by the pressing portion 62, and the inner peripheral length of the holding portion 60 may be the inner peripheral length of the holding portion 60 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. Furthermore, the "outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 before being pressed by the pressing portion 62" may be the outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 at a position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 that corresponds to the inner peripheral length of the holding portion 60 being compared when pressed by the pressing portion 62. Furthermore, the "outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 in a state pressed by the pressing portion 62" may be the outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 in a state pressed by the pressing portion 62 at a position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber that corresponds to the inner peripheral length of the holding portion 60 being compared.

[0232] In the fourth embodiment, the inner peripheral length of the chamber 50 (holding portion 60) is the same as the outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 before it is received in the chamber 50, and it can also be said that the inner peripheral shape of the chamber 50 (holding portion 60) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber is different from the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the consumable 110 before it is received in the chamber 50. Here, "same" includes the case where they are substantially the same.

[0233] According to this embodiment, the consumables 110 are substantially in close contact with the heating surface (the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 of the chamber 50), so that the heat from the heating portion 40 can be efficiently transferred to the consumables 110. Specifically, the inner circumferential length of the chamber 50 and the outer circumferential length of the consumables 110 are substantially the same. Furthermore, because the inner peripheral shape of the chamber 50 differs from the cross-sectional shape of the consumable 110 received in the chamber 50, a portion of the consumable 110 is pressed against the inner surface of the chamber 50, and the outer peripheral shape of the consumable 110 substantially matches the inner peripheral shape of the inner surface of the holding part 60. Compared to when the inner peripheral length and inner peripheral shape of the chamber 50 are identical to the outer peripheral length and cross-sectional shape of the consumable 110, in the smoking system 100, a portion of the consumable 110 is pressed by the chamber 50, thereby improving the efficiency of heat conduction from the heating part 40 to the consumable 110. Furthermore, compared to when the outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 is shorter than the inner peripheral length of the chamber 50, the unpressed portion of the outer peripheral surface of the consumable 110 also substantially comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface (non-pressed surface) of the chamber 50, thereby improving the efficiency of heat conduction from the heating part 40 to the consumable 110. Furthermore, compared to when the outer circumferential length of the consumable 110 is longer than the inner circumferential length of the chamber 50, the consumable 110 can be inserted more smoothly into the chamber 50, and distortion of the density of the outer circumferential surface of the consumable 110 and the inside of the consumable (for example, cigarettes) can be suppressed. As a result, uneven heating and variations in airflow resistance between consumables 110, which may occur due to distortion of the density inside the consumable 110, can be suppressed.

[0234] It can also be said that the inner peripheral length of the chamber 50 is preferably substantially the same as the outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 in a state pressed by the chamber 50, and the inner peripheral length of the chamber 50 may be the inner peripheral length in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. Furthermore, the "outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 before being received in the chamber 50" may be the outer peripheral length of a portion of the outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 before being received in the chamber 50, which is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 when received in the chamber 50, corresponding to the inner peripheral length of the chamber 50 being compared. Furthermore, the "outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 in a state pressed by the chamber 50" may be the outer peripheral length of a portion of the outer peripheral length of the consumable 110 in a state pressed by the chamber 50, which is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50, corresponding to the inner peripheral length of the chamber 50 being compared.

[0235] Fifth Embodiment Next, a smoking system 100 according to a fifth embodiment will be described. The smoking system 100 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the smoking system 100 according to the first embodiment in that a cylindrical sleeve is provided around the chamber 50. FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 and the sleeve provided in the device 120 of the smoking system 100 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 and the sleeve taken along the arrows 22-22 in FIG. 21. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the smoking system 100 according to the fifth embodiment is provided with a cylindrical sleeve 80 that surrounds the chamber 50. Note that the fifth embodiment may have the same structure and features as the smoking system 100 according to the first embodiment, except for the sleeve 80.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 22 , the shortest distance between the inner surface of the sleeve 80 and the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 is L1. Note that the shortest distance here refers to the shortest distance between the inner surface of the sleeve 80 and any position on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. In the example shown in FIG. 22 , the shortest distance between the inner surface of the sleeve 80 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing portion 66 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 is L2. This shortest distance L1 is greater than the shortest distance L2. That is, in the fifth embodiment, when the shortest distance between the inner surface of the sleeve 80 and the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 is L1 and the shortest distance between the inner surface of the sleeve 80 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing portion 66 of the chamber 50 is L2, L1 is greater than L2.

[0237] According to the fifth embodiment, the distance between the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 that presses a part of the consumable 110 and the inner surface of the sleeve 80 is longer than that of the non-pressing portion 66, and the length (thickness) of the air layer in this gap is therefore longer. 2, when the heating unit 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62, the pressing unit 62 contributes more to heating the consumables 110 contained in the chamber 50 than the non-pressing unit 66, which does not contact the consumables 110. Therefore, since the distance between the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 and the inner surface of the sleeve 80 is longer than that of the non-pressing unit 66, the insulating efficiency due to the air layer between the pressing unit 62 and the sleeve 80 can be improved, and the consumables 110 can be heated efficiently.

[0238] 21 and 22, the sleeve 80 preferably includes a thermal insulating portion 80a. In this case, the chamber 50 can be surrounded by the thermal insulating portion 80a, which can prevent heat from the heated consumable 110 from being transferred to the outside of the device 120. The thermal insulating portion 80a can be cylindrical like the sleeve 80. The thermal insulating portion 80a can be, for example, an air layer, a vacuum insulating layer, aerogel, or another thermal insulating material.

[0239] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical concept described in the specification and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention. Furthermore, the shape, degree, etc. expressed in the specification as "at least substantially" is not limited to "strictly the shape, degree, etc." but is intended to include "at least the shape, degree, etc. within the range that achieves the intended effect." [Explanation of symbols]

[0240] 40: Heating part 50: Chamber 52 :Aperture 56: Bottom 60: Holding part 62: Pressing part 62a: Inner surface 62b: External surface 66: Non-pressure part 67 :Void 100: Smoking system 110: Consumables 111: Smoking permitted 114: Cooling segment 115: Intake filter 116: Center hole segment 119: Filter segment 120: Device

Claims

1. 1. A smoking system including a consumable product having a smokable material and a device for heating and atomizing the smokable material, The device comprises: a chamber for receiving the consumable; a heating unit that heats the consumable received in the chamber, the chamber includes an opening into which the consumable is inserted and a holding portion that holds the consumable; the holding portion includes a pressing portion that presses a portion of the consumable item, The pressing portion has an outer surface and a flat inner surface, the consumable product comprises the smokable article and a filter segment; The filter segment includes a mouthpiece filter and a center hole segment, A smoking system, wherein the center hole segment is positioned closer to the smokable article than the mouthpiece filter.

2. 2. The smoking system according to claim 1, A smoking system, wherein the inner diameter of the center hole segment is equal to or greater than 1.0 mm and equal to or less than 5.0 mm.

3. 3. The smoking system according to claim 1, A smoking system, wherein the mouthpiece filter includes a capsule therein.

4. 4. A smoking system according to claim 1, A smoking system, wherein the center hole segment has a hardness greater than that of the mouthpiece filter.

5. 5. The smoking system according to claim 4, A smoking system, wherein the mass percentage of the plasticizer contained in the center hole segment is greater than the mass percentage of the plasticizer contained in the mouthpiece filter.

6. 6. A smoking system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the holding portion has two pressing portions facing each other, A smoking system, wherein the inner surfaces of the two pressing portions are parallel to each other.

7. 7. A smoking system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A smoking system, wherein the holding portion has a non-pressure portion with an inner surface and an outer surface.

8. 8. The smoking system according to claim 7, The inner surface of the pressing portion has a pair of flat pressing surfaces facing each other, A smoking system, wherein the inner surface of the non-pressing portion has a pair of curved non-pressing surfaces that connect both ends of the pair of flat pressing surfaces and face each other.

9. 9. A smoking system according to claim 7 or 8, A smoking system in which, when the consumable is positioned at a desired position in the chamber, a gap is provided between the inner surface of the non-pressing portion and the consumable, the gap communicating with the opening of the chamber and an end face of the consumable positioned at a desired position in the chamber, or the opening of the chamber and an end face of the consumable positioned within the chamber and positioned away from the opening of the chamber.

10. 10. The smoking system according to claim 9, A smoking system, wherein the height of the gap is equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and equal to or less than 1.0 mm.

11. 11. A smoking system according to claim 9 or 10, the chamber has a bottom or abutment; A smoking system in which the bottom or abutment supports a portion of the consumable positioned at a desired position in the chamber so that at least a portion of an end surface of the consumable is exposed and the exposed end surface of the consumable communicates with the gap.

12. 12. A smoking system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The smoking system, wherein the consumable article has a cooling segment between the smokable article and the filter segment.

13. 13. The smoking system according to claim 12, The surface area of ​​the cooling segment is 300 mm ２ / mm or more 1000mm ２ / mm or less.

14. 14. A smoking system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A smoking system, wherein the pressing portion is configured to press at least the smokable article of the consumable product.

15. 15. A smoking system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A smoking system wherein the center hole segment deforms when the consumable is positioned at a desired location in the chamber.

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